Inter's pre-season tour has produced encouraging results, but the picture heading into the 2026/27 campaign is one of a squad still taking shape. The 2-1 friendly win over Juventus in Perth was the clearest sign of quality so far, with Federico Dimarco and a well-drilled midfield doing the damage against a rival that looked well short of Inter's level. Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito each contributed an assist, sending a message to Cristian Chivu that they are ready for the Serie A opener against Monza on August 22.

The bigger concern is who will not be available for that game. Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and new signing John Stones have all been absent throughout the tour, and none are expected to be ready immediately. That places significant responsibility on Esposito from the off, with Chivu already signalling that at least one of his younger attackers will start the season as a front-line option.

Off the pitch, the transfer window remains unresolved. Inter still need a right wing-back after missing out on both Palestra and Khalaili, the latter ruled out on medical grounds by the Italian sports authorities. Chivu has now shifted the club's search toward an experienced profile rather than a younger option. A defensive reinforcement is also in doubt after Cristian Romero moved closer to Atletico Madrid rather than Milan. Chivu has been open about the need to sell before buying, and until those outgoings are confirmed, the squad will remain incomplete as the season approaches.