Inter Milan vs Monza: Chivu’s Champions Begin Serie A Title Defence

Inter Milan will begin their 2026/27 Serie A title defence at home when they welcome newly promoted Monza to San Siro on Saturday, August 22.

The Nerazzurri enter the opening weekend full of confidence after Cristian Chivu guided them to a domestic double last season. Inter will be looking to build on that success as they prepare for another demanding campaign both domestically and in Europe. The match will kick off at 6:30 p.m. CEST at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Chivu’s side have made several adjustments to their squad during the summer. Denzel Dumfries has departed for Real Madrid, with Djed Spence arriving from Tottenham to strengthen the right side of the team.

Inter have also added further quality and experience to their squad, including John Stones and Aleksandar Stankovic, as the club attempt to maintain their competitive edge after a hugely successful 2025/26 season.

The Nerazzurri are not content with simply defending their domestic crown. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu recently reiterated Inter’s desire to compete for more trophies under Chivu, while also highlighting the club’s ambition to make a deeper run in Europe.

Inter have reached the Champions League final twice in the last five years, although they have been unable to lift the trophy. Their strong domestic form last season has now raised expectations that Chivu can take the team another step forward on the continental stage.

Despite entering the new campaign as defending champions and one of the favourites for the Scudetto, Inter still have areas to improve. The club are continuing to reshape their squad, with new arrivals expected to play an important role as Chivu builds on the foundations left by his predecessor.

Monza, meanwhile, return to Serie A after securing promotion by defeating Catanzaro in the decisive promotion play-off at the end of May.

Ivan Juric is now in charge of the newly promoted side, bringing extensive Serie A experience to a squad that will immediately face one of the toughest possible tests.

Monza have also enjoyed an encouraging pre-season. They claimed a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray in a friendly towards the end of July before progressing in the Coppa Italia, giving them additional confidence ahead of their return to Italy’s top flight.

Juric is expected to rely on a back-three system with an energetic midfield and aggressive pressing. Inter’s own analysis of Monza highlights the Croatian coach’s preference for a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, with width and pace playing an important role in attack.

On paper, Inter possess significantly greater depth and individual quality. However, Monza’s return to Serie A should provide them with plenty of motivation, and Juric’s tactical approach could make the visitors difficult to break down.

Inter will therefore be expected to control the game, particularly with home advantage and the confidence generated by last season’s success. For Chivu, the opening fixture also provides an opportunity to introduce some of his new signings to competitive football and begin the defence of the Scudetto with three points.

Head-to-Head: Inter Milan vs Monza

• 13/8/25 – AC Monza 2-2 Inter Milan | Friendly
• 9/3/25 – Inter Milan 3-2 AC Monza | Serie A
• 16/9/24 – AC Monza 1-1 Inter Milan | Serie A
• 14/1/24 – AC Monza 1-5 Inter Milan | Serie A
• 20/8/23 – Inter Milan 2-0 AC Milan | Serie A

Predicted Lineups

Inter Milan (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Alessandro Bastoni; Djed Spence, Aleksandar Stankovic, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram

Head coach: Cristian Chivu

Monza (3-4-2-1): Thiam; Lucchesi, Delli Carri, Mout; Berretta, Carboni, Birindelli, Robinson; Forson, Cutrone; Varela

Head coach: Ivan Juric

Prediction

Inter Milan should have enough quality to secure victory in their opening Serie A fixture. Monza are unlikely to simply sit back and surrender, particularly under a coach as tactically experienced as Juric, but the reigning champions should have too much attacking quality and depth.

Prediction: Inter Milan 2-0 Monza.