Inter vs Monza: Scudetto Holders Kick Off Serie A Season

InterINT

H. Calhanoglu 6'
P. Zielinski 48'
F. Esposito 55'
Y. Bisseck 63'

Serie A

4–1

Full Time

HT 1–1

San Siro/Giuseppe Meazza

Milan

MonzaMON

G. Varela 29'

AI ForecastsGraded

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Inter begin their title defence at home against a Monza side already ravaged by injuries and suspensions before a ball has been kicked. The visitors are missing midfield orchestrator Matteo Pessina, forward Dany Mota, and wing-back Patrick Ciurria, leaving them severely depleted in the final third. Simone Inzaghi’s men, even without the suspended Henrikh Mkhitaryan, have far too much depth and should control possession from the outset. Monza have made life difficult for Inter in recent meetings — drawing twice in 2024/25 — but their makeshift lineup makes a repeat shock unlikely.

Match ResultHome Win72%

Inter's overwhelming quality and Monza's lengthy injury list tip this heavily in the Nerazzurri's favour, though opening-day rustiness could keep things tighter than expected early on.

Win or DrawHome or Draw89%

Inter haven't lost to Monza in their last seven meetings across all competitions, and the visitors' missing core leaves them ill-equipped to cause an upset.

Total Goals3 or more goals58%

Four of the last five league encounters have seen at least three goals, and Inter's attack, even without Mkhitaryan, has ample firepower to keep that trend going against a depleted Monza defence.

High-confidence forecasts have landed 74% of the time this season, over 2,080 graded calls. Track record →

Inter vs Monza: Scudetto Holders Kick Off Serie A Season

Published Mon 17 Aug

Inter launch their 2026-27 Serie A title defence against newly promoted Monza on Saturday 22 August at 18:30 CEST, at their San Siro home. It marks the competitive debut of Inter’s new head coach Cristian Chivu, while Monza return to the top flight under Ivan Jurić after a single season in Serie B. The visitors must cope without captain Matteo Pessina, ruled out by a serious knee injury.

Team News and Injury Latest

Inter have no fresh injury concerns, and summer signing John Stones could make his competitive bow alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard in a three-man back line. Djed Spence joined from Tottenham late in the window but is unlikely to start on the opening weekend. Monza’s midfield has been hit hard: Pessina is set to miss several weeks, forcing the club to accelerate transfer plans. New loan signings Ebenezer Akinsanmiro – an Inter academy product – and winger Jay Robinson are available, while Portuguese Under-20 international Gustavo Varela, who scored twice on debut in the 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Avellino, should retain his place. Monza have also been linked with a move for Inter’s Kristjan Asllani.

Inter Form Guide

Chivu’s side went unbeaten in four pre-season friendlies, winning three. They beat Manchester City on penalties and edged Real Betis thanks to a Stones winner, conceding exactly once in each contest. The defensive structure has looked compact, with the new coach retaining the back-three shape that delivered last season’s Scudetto. Federico Dimarco and Andy Diouf also found the net in warm-up fixtures, suggesting the attack is gelling quickly.

Monza’s Return to Serie A

Monza secured promotion via a pulsating playoff final, edging Catanzaro on a better league finishing position after a 2-2 aggregate draw. Jurić replaced Paolo Bianco in the summer and oversaw an encouraging pre-season – a 3-3 draw with Padova displayed attacking thrust, while the Coppa Italia rout of Avellino featured Varela’s double and an Omari Forson strike, with Patrick Cutrone providing two assists. However, the loss of Pessina robs them of their on-field leader and most experienced Serie A performer.

Key Battle: Stones’ Debut vs Varela’s Momentum

If Stones starts, his partnership with Bastoni and Pavard will face an early test from a Monza front line full of confidence. Varela’s two-goal cup debut makes him the obvious danger man, while Cutrone’s link-up play and Forson’s direct running offer variety. How Inter’s new-look defence copes with Monza’s willingness to attack down the flanks – a hallmark of their recent outings – could set the tone for the champions’ opening afternoon.

What Comes Next

After welcoming Monza, Inter’s focus will quickly switch to consolidating an early lead in the standings before the fixture list intensifies. Monza, meanwhile, will look to spring a surprise and build momentum for a survival battle that begins at the home of the reigning champions.

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Inter	6	10	16
16	Monza	6	-6	4

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Inter	6	10	16
16	Monza	6	-6	4

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