Inter are riding a wave of confidence after one of the most dramatic results of the Serie A season so far. A 3-2 comeback victory over Napoli at San Siro, coming from two goals down, confirmed that Cristian Chivu's side have the character and quality to compete at the top of Italian football. Lautaro Martinez scored twice, including a 91st-minute winner, while Marcus Thuram's header completed the turnaround. The result leaves Inter second in Serie A with nine points from three games, level with leaders Roma.

The win came at a cost, though. Federico Dimarco picked up a knee injury during the match and has been ruled out of the Champions League opener against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on September 8. Carlos Augusto is set to replace him on the left, with Luis Henrique also expected to start. Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, arrive at the fixture under pressure after a 1-0 league defeat to Real Betis, with Kylian Mbappe missing a late penalty in that game. Mourinho faces significant midfield absences through suspension.

Off the pitch, Inter secured a landmark contract extension for young striker Francesco Pio Esposito, signing him until 2032 in what is reported to be the first six-year professional contract in Italian football history. The club heads to Madrid in strong domestic form and with growing belief that this squad can go further in Europe than last season.