Inter begins title defence against newly promoted Monza

Inter Milan vs Monza kicks off at 17:30 [GMT+1] on Saturday, August 22, at the San Siro. Inter will begin their title defence against newly promoted Monza at home this weekend, with the champions looking to make a strong start to the new campaign after claiming their 21st domestic league title. The recent head-to-head record is closer than might be expected. Across the seven previous meetings, Inter have recorded three victories, Monza has won once, and another three matches have ended level. Inter, therefore, have the advantage, but they have won fewer than half of those encounters. Inter, nevertheless, enter the new season from a position of considerable strength. They won the 2025-26 Serie A title, finishing 11 points clear and scoring 89 league goals while conceding 35. Cristian Chivu therefore begins his second league campaign in charge, attempting to guide Inter to consecutive Scudetti. Their home numbers further underline the challenge awaiting Monza, having averaged 2.33 points on home soil in recent games. A 3—5—2 formation with Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito in attack is expected against Monza. It remains to be seen if Lautaro Martínez would take part in Saturday’s opener, with rumours suggesting a departure for Barcelona is being considered. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is suspended for the reigning champions. Djed Spence, whose eye-catching performance at the just-concluded FIFA World Cup earned him a shirt in Inter, could make his debut for the club here.