Inter have made a near-perfect start to their title defence, winning both Serie A fixtures to sit joint-top on six points alongside Roma and AC Milan. A 4-1 home victory over Monza was followed by a controlled 1-0 win at Cagliari, where Hakan Çalhanoğlu's ninth-minute goal proved decisive. Five goals scored and none conceded in the league underlines a defensive solidity that carried the club to last season's double. The immediate challenge is Saturday's home fixture against Napoli at San Siro, a direct test of that momentum against a side already under pressure after losing to Como in matchday two.

Off the pitch, the bigger story is structural. Piero Ausilio, sporting director for 28 years, has left the club after contract renewal talks broke down. President Beppe Marotta moved quickly, appointing Dario Baccin, Ausilio's long-serving deputy, as his replacement. Marotta described the decision as "innovative, yet in the sign of managerial continuity." Baccin's first significant task may be resolving Federico Dimarco's contract situation. The left-back admitted at the Gran Galà del Calcio that renewal talks have not yet begun, despite his hopes.

Captain Lautaro Martinez also addressed summer speculation directly, confirming Barcelona's interest was real but that he chose to stay. With the squad's UEFA Champions League list submitted and the transfer window closed, Chivu has a settled group heading into a demanding September.