Inter sent a clear message to the rest of Serie A on Saturday, coming from two goals down to beat Napoli 3-2 at San Siro and move to nine points from three games. The result was not just about the scoreline. It showed a team with the character and quality to win ugly, and that kind of resilience tends to matter over a long season.

Chivu's side had looked rattled after Politano and Hojlund put Napoli in control during the second half. What followed was a fierce response. Dimarco provided the assist, Lautaro Martinez broke his early-season scoring drought with a brace, and Thuram came off the bench to complete the turnaround. The partnership between those two forwards, quiet in the opening weeks, is back functioning at a level that opponents will fear.

The win came at a cost. Dimarco picked up a knock during the match, and his availability for the Champions League opener at Real Madrid on September 8 is now uncertain. That fixture looms large, and losing one of the team's most consistent performers would be a significant blow heading into Europe.

Off the pitch, Dario Baccin has taken over as sporting director following Piero Ausilio's departure after 28 years, a notable shift in the club's structure. His first task appears to be the contract renewal of Federico Dimarco, a priority that carries extra weight given the winger's importance to how Chivu wants his team to play.