Inter thrash Monza 4-1 to launch Serie A title defence

n n

Inter Milan’s Polish midfielder #7 Piotr Zielinski (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and AC Monza at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

n

Inter Milan kicked off the defence of their Serie A title in emphatic fashion on Saturday, cruising to a 4-1 home victory over promoted Monza.

n

The Italian champions needed just six minutes to break the deadlock when Hakan Calhanoglu blasted in from distance.

n

Monza, back in the top flight after a season in Serie B, levelled through Gustavo Varela in the 29th minute.

n

Inter restored their advantage shortly after the restart, with Piotr Zielinski finding the net in the 48th minute.

n

Pio Esposito, preferred in the starting line-up to Marcus Thuram, made it 3-1 eight minutes later with an inventive backheel finish from Andy Diouf’s cross.

n

Yann Bisseck completed the scoring in the 63rd minute as Inter underlined their status as clear favourites to retain the Scudetto.

n

John Stones, one of three England internationals signed by Inter during the close season, made his debut after coming on as a late substitute.

n

“We were a bit rusty during the first half, a bit too frantic as well,” Inter coach Cristian Chivu told DAZN. “We regained our calm and clarity after the break.”

n

Last season’s surprise package Como needed a second-half equaliser from Greece forward Tasos Douvikas to earn a 1-1 draw at Udinese.

n

Como will play in the Champions League for the first time next month after finishing fourth under Cesc Fabregas.

n

Napoli, runners-up last term, visit Genoa later on Saturday under new coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is looking to make a statement after being dismissed by AC Milan following just one season in charge.

n

Milan and Juventus, both seeking redemption after disappointing campaigns and further summer overhauls, begin their league seasons on Sunday against Torino and Frosinone respectively.

n

AFP

n n