Inter's promising start to the season has been complicated by a damaging Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu, where individual errors cost Cristian Chivu's side dearly. Despite playing well for long stretches against Real Madrid, the Nerazzurri lost 2-1, with goalkeeper Josep Martinez's costly blunder directly leading to the decisive second goal. Combined with earlier defensive mistakes from Jones and Bisseck, the defeat exposed a fragility that could prove significant as the season develops.

The fallout has prompted genuine debate over who should start in goal, with reports linking Ivan Provedel to an immediate role in the squad. Chivu has decisions to make at the back, and the arrival of John Stones adds another option, with the former Manchester City defender impressing as a substitute at the Bernabeu and pushing for a starting place.

Despite the European setback, Inter's domestic form remains strong. They sit third in Serie A with nine points from three games, their campaign built on wins over Monza, Cagliari and a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Napoli. The squad depth is also growing, with Andy Diouf earning a first call-up to the French national team after an impressive start to the season.

Next up is Udinese at San Siro on Monday, a fixture that carries a warning from history: Inter lost to the same opponents at home just over a year ago. Bouncing back cleanly, and doing so without further defensive lapses, is the immediate priority.