Inter Milan Begin Serie A Title Defence as Rivals Seek to Close the Gap

Posted : 21 August 2026

Inter Milan start their Serie A title defence on Saturday as the leading favourites, but Cristian Chivu's champions face a very different campaign after making major changes to their squad. The Nerazzurri won their 21st Scudetto and completed a domestic double last season, finishing 11 points ahead of Napoli.

Chivu, who has extended his contract with Inter until 2028, is overseeing a gradual transformation of an experienced squad. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has departed, while veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij are also gone.

Inter have added Premier League experience to their defence, with former Manchester City centre-back John Stones joining the club and Djed Spence arriving from Tottenham. Manuel Akanji has also made his move permanent after spending last season on loan at San Siro, while Denzel Dumfries has left for Real Madrid.

There is still a familiar core in attack, with captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram leading the line. Young forwards Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny provide additional options, giving Chivu one of the league's deepest attacking groups. Inter are also looking to strengthen their midfield further, with Liverpool's Curtis Jones reportedly close to a move to Italy.

The champions will also be motivated to improve their European record after their Champions League campaign ended in the knockout play-off round against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Chivu will therefore be expected to balance another title challenge with a deeper run in Europe.

The biggest threat to Inter could come from a group of clubs undergoing their own transformations. AC Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim after a disappointing fifth-place finish last season and have invested heavily in attack, including a club-record move for Gonçalo Ramos.

Napoli, meanwhile, have replaced Antonio Conte with Massimiliano Allegri. The six-time Serie A champion returns to a league he knows extremely well, but he must rebuild a side that lost striker Romelu Lukaku and is now relying heavily on Rasmus Højlund in attack.

Juventus are also looking to recover after finishing sixth last season. The Turin club have continued their rebuild and brought in Randal Kolo Muani as they seek to return to the Champions League places.

Roma and Como could provide further competition near the top. Roma impressed under Gian Piero Gasperini last season, while Como's rapid rise under Cesc Fabregas has taken them into the Champions League after finishing fourth.

Inter open their title defence at home against newly promoted Monza on Saturday, with Chivu's side already carrying the expectation of being the team to beat.

Inter Milan Begin Serie A Title Defence as Rivals Seek to Close the Gap

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