Inter Milan starts Serie A title defense with commanding 4-1 win over Monza

Inter Milan kicked off their Serie A title defense with a resounding 4-1 victory over newly promoted Monza, signaling their intent to remain the team to beat. The reigning champions displayed a commanding performance that reinforced their project under coach Cristian Chivu.

The Lombardo derby, which opened the 2026-2027 Serie A season alongside the Udinese-Como match, saw Inter take an early lead. Young talent Pio Esposito was a driving force, creating the space for Hakan Calhanoglu to score with a brilliant long-range strike. San Siro was in a festive mood, still celebrating the Scudetto won just three months prior.

Monza, however, showed resilience and fought back. Portuguese player Gustavo Varela scored in the 28th minute, temporarily silencing the home crowd. This season is crucial for Monza's coach Ivan Juric, who seeks to rebound after challenging experiences with previous clubs.

Inter's second half saw a renewed intensity after Chivu's halftime talk. A goalkeeping error by Monza's Semuel Pizzignacco allowed Inter to regain the lead, and Esposito further extended it with an exceptional backheel goal. Yann Bisseck sealed the victory in the 63rd minute, completing the 4-1 scoreline. Despite Lautaro Martínez not shining in his debut, Esposito's performance highlighted Inter's depth and attacking prowess.

The dominant performance sent a clear message to the league's contenders: Inter Milan is ready to defend its crown, and any team aiming to take the title will have to work hard.