Inter have started their Serie A title defence with a statement, beating Monza 4-1 at San Siro on matchday one. The result carried plenty of encouragement, though manager Cristian Chivu was quick to acknowledge the team still had rust to shake off, particularly in the first half. The second half told a different story, with Inter finding their rhythm and pulling clear comfortably.

Two players stood out in that win. Francesco Pio Esposito started alongside Lautaro Martinez and delivered a mature, assured performance, capping it with a fine backheel goal. Andy Diouf, converted into a right wing-back role by Chivu after Denzel Dumfries' departure to Real Madrid, contributed two assists and showed real promise in his new position. Chivu was enthusiastic about Diouf's potential, describing him as a player with courage and the ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations.

Off the pitch, the transfer window continues to shape the squad. Curtis Jones completed a move from Liverpool for 30 million euros plus bonuses, becoming the third Englishman signed this summer after John Stones and Djed Spence. His arrival adds depth and competition to a midfield that already includes Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, and Mkhitaryan. The signing of Jones has raised questions over Stankovic's future at the club.

The bigger concern for supporters is Lautaro Martinez. Barcelona have been linked with a move worth over 100 million euros for the captain, and while president Marotta stated publicly that a sale is not up for discussion, Chivu's comment that "the transfer market is always a bastard" reflected the uncertainty that lingers. Inter travel to Cagliari on August 30 for their next fixture.