Inter Milan beat Monza 4-1 at San Siro to begin Serie A title defence
Cristian Chivu's Inter Milan opened their 2026/2027 Serie A title defence with a 4-1 victory over newly promoted Monza, scoring three goals in fifteen second-half minutes after entering the break level at 1-1.
Early advantage and Monza response
Inter Milan opened the 2026/2027 Serie A campaign at a sold-out San Siro on Saturday, defeating newly promoted Monza 4-1. The home side took the lead in the sixth minute when Hakan Calhanoglu struck from 25 metres following a layoff by Francesco Pio Esposito and a run by Andy Diouf. The goal stood despite controversy surrounding Yann Aurel Bisseck, who stood in an offside position but was deemed not to have obstructed goalkeeper Semuel Pizzignacco's line of sight. Inter controlled possession early and nearly doubled the advantage in the 26th minute through a Nicolò Barella effort. Monza equalised in the 29th minute when Mout threaded a pass to Portuguese forward Varela, who held off defender Manuel Akanji and placed a low diagonal shot past goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Monza created two further first-half chances, with Varela misdirecting a 40th-minute header and Akanji blocking a shot from Mout two minutes later.
Decisive second-half burst
Inter coach Cristian Chivu demanded sharper focus during the interval, and the team responded with three goals inside fifteen minutes. Piotr Zielinski restored the lead in the 48th minute by finishing a loose ball after Pizzignacco failed to clear cleanly with his fists. Diouf set up the third goal in the 55th minute, cutting inside from the right flank to find Esposito, who converted with a backheel finish from close range. Esposito turned provider eight minutes later, holding up play to release Bisseck for a left-footed strike that made the score 4-1 in the 63rd minute. Akanji later struck the crossbar from a corner kick before being substituted.
- Calhanoglu opens the scoring with a 25-metre strike
- Varela equalises for Monza with a low diagonal shot
- Zielinski restores Inter's lead following a punched clearance
- Esposito scores Inter's third goal with a backheel finish
- Bisseck scores the fourth goal from an Esposito assist
Squad rotation and debuts
Chivu introduced new signing John Stones in the 75th minute for his Inter debut, while Aleksandar Stankovic and Luis Henrique also entered the match in the closing stages. Summer additions Jones and Spence watched the fixture from the stands. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez started the match on his birthday despite having completed less than two weeks of pre-season training, before being substituted in the 54th minute for Ange-Yoan Bonny. Monza, managed by Ivan Juric, were without suspended forward Dany Mota, suspended goalkeeper Demba Thiam, and injured midfielder Matteo Pessina. Pizzignacco started in goal for Monza without having made a Serie B appearance the previous season.
Transfer stance on Martinez
Before kickoff at San Siro, Inter president Giuseppe Marotta addressed transfer speculation surrounding Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker had been linked with interest from Barcelona during the summer window. Marotta dismissed any possibility of a departure prior to the match.
He is our captain, he represents Inter's history. There are absolutely no conditions for him to leave Inter, we do not want to give him up in any way and for anything, it should not even be discussed.
The result gives the reigning champions three points on the opening matchday. Monza travel back without points ahead of their next Serie A fixture.
