Inter begin their defence of the Serie A title on Saturday when they host Monza at San Siro, and the mood around the club is a mix of genuine optimism and real uncertainty. Cristian Chivu's side won last season's Scudetto by 11 points, and a strong transfer window has added further depth, but two significant storylines are competing for attention on the eve of the new campaign.

The biggest piece of transfer business is done. Curtis Jones has joined from Liverpool in a deal worth 30 million euros plus five million in bonuses, becoming the third English player added to the squad this summer after John Stones and Djed Spence. The midfielder was Chivu's primary target since January, and his arrival completes a midfield already packed with options. That abundance now raises a question about who leaves, with Filippo Stankovic's future among the situations to watch before the window closes.

More pressing for supporters is the Lautaro Martinez situation. Reports from Spain and Argentina have linked the captain with Barcelona, who are said to be willing to offer more than 100 million euros. At his pre-match press conference, Chivu was visibly irritated by repeated questions on the subject. He insisted the club wants to keep their captain, but added that "the transfer market is always a bastard," stopping short of a flat guarantee. Lautaro is expected to start against Monza despite the speculation, with Marcus Thuram also back in the squad after both forwards missed pre-season due to their involvement at the World Cup. Mkhitaryan serves a suspension and will be absent for the opener.