Hakan Calhanoglu's thunderbolt after six minutes set the tone as Inter opened their Serie A 2026-27 campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Monza at a packed San Siro on Saturday evening.
The Turkish midfielder, who famously scored on his Inter debut in the same fixture years ago, lashed a powerful strike past the Monza goalkeeper after Andy Diouf — deployed on the right flank by Christian Chivu in the absence of the injured Djed Spence — recycled possession and laid the ball back into his path.
Monza, however, refused to fold. Ivan Juric's side equalised through Gustavo Varela, the Portuguese striker who had only recently arrived at the club. The 29th-minute goal was a solo effort that silenced the home crowd briefly and raised concerns about Inter's concentration, particularly after both Calhanoglu and captain Lautaro Martinez picked up avoidable yellow cards before the break.
Those worries were dispelled within two minutes of the restart. Monza goalkeeper Pizzignacco, who had looked uncertain on Calhanoglu's opener, made a poor clearance that fell straight to Piotr Zielinski. The Polish midfielder made no mistake, slamming a right-footed shot into the net to restore Inter's lead.
The hosts then turned the screw. Diouf, who delivered an impressive display down the right, drove forward and found substitute Davide Sucic, whose clever pass released the Frenchman again. Diouf dribbled past his marker and squared for Pio Esposito, who scored with an audacious backheel that sent the Curva Nord into raptures — a goal worthy of the occasion.
Bisseck completed the scoring in the 63rd minute, meeting a low cross from Esposito with a left-footed finish that belied his defensive role. It was a fitting reward for the defender, who had been tireless going forward throughout the second half.
The final quarter of the match became a showcase for Chivu's new signings. John Stones entered to a standing ovation in the 75th minute, replacing Manuel Akanji for his competitive Inter debut. But the biggest roar of the evening was reserved for Aleksandar Stankovic, who came on in the 83rd minute — exactly 22 years after his father Dejan last appeared at San Siro in Inter colours.
Akanji had also struck the crossbar in the closing stages as Inter pushed for a fifth, but the scoreline already told the story. Last season, including the Club World Cup, Chivu's squad amassed a staggering 124 goals. If the opening day is anything to go by, the champions are ready to mount another prolific campaign.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Inter/22-08-2026/inter-monza-live-risultato-e-gol-in-diretta-serie-a.shtml
- https://www.inter.it/it/notizie/inter-monza-serie-a-2026-27
