Inter head into the final stretch of pre-season with genuine momentum but a pressing transfer problem still unresolved. The defending Serie A champions beat Juventus 2-1 in Perth, with Federico Dimarco and Diouf on the scoresheet, and the performance was comfortable enough to suggest Cristian Chivu has a solid base to work from. Youngsters Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito each contributed an assist, strengthening their cases for a starting role when the season opens against Monza on 22 August.

The right wing position remains the club's most urgent business. Denzel Dumfries departed for Real Madrid, and two replacement targets have already fallen through. Palestra chose Chelsea, while Anan Khalaili failed his CONI medical and cannot be registered in Serie A, though he is set to join Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Chivu has since shifted his recruitment criteria, seeking an experienced senior profile rather than a younger option. The latest name in the frame is Moussa Diaby, currently owned by Al Ittihad. Inter have submitted a second offer after an initial bid was rejected, and are racing to beat Bayer Leverkusen to his signature.

Off the pitch, Hakan Calhanoglu dismissed talk of a return to Turkey, declaring his focus is on defending the Scudetto and reaching another Champions League final. Three key players, Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, and new signing John Stones, have yet to feature in pre-season and their availability timelines will be watched closely as the opener approaches.