Inter are level on points with Roma and Lazio at the top of Serie A, yet the mood around the club is one of cautious concern rather than confidence. The defensive record has become a genuine problem for Cristian Chivu, whose side have conceded far more than a title contender should. The manager addressed it directly at training during the international break, making the back line his primary focus ahead of the return to action.

The break has at least brought some good news on the injury front. Djed Spence, the summer signing who had not yet featured competitively, made his debut in a friendly win over Lumezzane on October 3, while Federico Dimarco was also passed fit. Calhanoglu and Stones are also working their way back, giving Chivu more options as a demanding run of nine games in a month approaches.

The bigger concern off the pitch is Hakan Calhanoglu's contract situation. The Turkish midfielder's deal expires in June 2027 and talks over an extension have stalled, raising the real possibility that Inter could lose one of their most important players for nothing, just as they once signed him from Milan on a free transfer.

Inter host Parma on October 10 in their first league game back, a match Chivu will use to begin rotating his squad. With European football also on the horizon, how the squad responds to this congested period will define the early shape of their season.