Inter are level at the top of Serie A alongside Roma and Lazio, each on 13 points from five matches, but the defending champions are carrying concerns into the post-international break period that complicate what should be a confident title defence. The most pressing issue is defensive. Coach Cristian Chivu has made it a priority focus during training, with the squad conceding at a rate that has surprised those inside and outside the club. Absences at the back have been a factor, and the international break offered a chance to address that directly.

The fitness picture is improving. Djed Spence, signed as one of the summer's main arrivals but sidelined since the World Cup with injury, made his Inter debut in a friendly against Lumezzane on October 3, a 2-0 win that also saw Federico Dimarco return to fitness. Hakan Calhanoglu's condition is being monitored carefully, and his situation carries extra weight given that contract renewal talks have stalled. His deal expires in June 2027, and the risk of losing him on a free transfer is real.

Andy Diouf, used at left back by France coach Zinedine Zidane during the break, faces a position battle with the returning Spence, while Petar Sucic has struggled for minutes and remains one of the squad's bigger question marks. Inter host Parma on October 10 in what begins a stretch of nine games in a month, a run that will test both Chivu's squad depth and his ability to shore up a defence that has leaked too many goals.