Inter Begins Serie A Title Defense with Dominant 4-1 Rout of Monza

Inter Milan launched their Serie A title defense with a resounding 4-1 victory over Monza, a newly promoted team, in the opening match of the 2026-2027 season. The Nerazzurri took an early lead in the sixth minute through a long-range strike from Hakan Calhanoglu. However, Monza, returning to Italy's top flight after a season in Serie B, managed to equalize in the 26th minute with a goal from Gustavo Varela. In the second half, Inter intensified their attack, quickly regaining the lead in the 48th minute with a goal from Piotr Zielinski. Francesco Pio Esposito extended the lead in the 56th minute, and Yann Aurel Bisseck sealed the 4-1 win in the 63rd minute, ensuring a comfortable start to the season at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium. Despite the convincing win, Inter's new starting goalkeeper, Josep Martínez, caused some anxiety among fans with his footwork. John Stones, one of Inter's three English signings, made his debut in the 75th minute. Inter's coach, Cristian Chivu, acknowledged a slow start, stating, "In the first half, we were a bit rusty, a bit too rushed, we lacked technical finesse. After the break, we found our calm and clarity."

In other opening matches, Napoli, last season's runner-up, also secured a victory, defeating Genoa 2-0 away. The Neapolitans dominated possession but had to wait until the 82nd minute for Kevin De Bruyne to score, with Antonio Vergara adding a second goal in the 87th minute. New Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri began his tenure positively after parting ways with AC Milan. Meanwhile, Cesc Fàbregas's Como, a surprise team last season, could only manage a 1-1 draw at Udinese. Hassane Kamara put Udinese ahead in the 29th minute, but Anastasios Douvikas equalized for Como in the 54th minute. Cagliari secured a 1-0 away win against Parma with a late goal from Alessandro Romano in the 79th minute. The weekend's fixtures will also feature historic clubs AC Milan and Juventus facing Torino and Frosinone, respectively.

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In the first half, we were a bit rusty, a bit too rushed, we lacked technical finesse. After the break, we found our calm and clarity.