Inter vs Monza

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.