Inter are preparing to defend their Serie A title with a squad that has been significantly reshaped in the final days of preseason. The clearest sign of that change came on Saturday, when new signing John Stones marked his debut with the winner against Real Betis in Bari, a 1-0 result that sent the champions into the new campaign unbeaten through all their summer friendlies. Stones, arriving from Manchester City, scored with a turn inside the box late in the second half, giving Cristian Chivu's side a confident send-off before their league opener against Monza on August 22 at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The summer has been defined as much by departures as arrivals. Davide Frattesi completed a move to Lazio after a deal that briefly stalled due to the Roman club's financial situation before being resolved. The midfielder's exit, after three seasons and 122 appearances, cleared the path for Inter to move in the market. Denzel Dumfries had already left for Real Madrid, and Djed Spence was confirmed as his replacement on the right flank, signing permanently from Tottenham. Spence brings a different profile to Dumfries, and the club is clear-eyed about that distinction.

One notable miss was Cristian Romero, who had been linked as a defensive target before Atletico Madrid moved quickly to secure his signature while Inter's transfer activity was stalled. With Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram both working to be fit for the Monza game after missing the Betis friendly, Chivu faces some uncertainty up front. The title defence begins with questions still to be answered, but the mood around the club is one of cautious confidence.