Inter head into the final stretch of pre-season with genuine momentum on the pitch but unfinished business in the transfer market. The 2-1 friendly win over Juventus in Perth was the clearest sign yet that Cristian Chivu's squad is taking shape, with Federico Dimarco and Diouf on the scoresheet and fringe players like Ange-Yoan Bonny, Pio Esposito, and teenage centre-back Leonardo Bovio all catching the eye. The result was comfortable enough that the gap between the two clubs looked significant, even accounting for the pre-season context.

The more pressing concern is the right-back position. Denzel Dumfries left for Real Madrid, and Inter have twice come close to replacing him without success. Palestra chose Chelsea, while Anan Khalaili failed to receive medical clearance from the CONI for Serie A, despite later being cleared to join Crystal Palace in England. Chivu has since shifted the club's approach, publicly stating that Inter now want an experienced, high-level profile rather than a young prospect. The latest target is Moussa Diaby, with Inter submitting a new offer to Al Ittihad to beat Bayer Leverkusen to his signature.

There are other squad questions to resolve before the season opener against Monza on August 22. Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, and new signing John Stones have yet to feature in pre-season. The goalkeeper hierarchy is also unsettled, with Chivu suggesting Ivan Provedel could genuinely challenge Josep Martinez for the starting spot. Inter host Real Betis on August 15 in their next friendly, which may offer further clarity before competitive football begins.