Inter Milan’s Commanding Start Sets Stage for Udinese Clash

Inter Milan’s Dominant Opening to the Serie A Season

Inter Milan has kicked off the 2025-26 Serie A campaign with a statement of intent, delivering a resounding 5-0 victory over Torino in their first match of the season. Under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri have signaled their determination to reclaim the Italian championship and restore their dominance in domestic football.

The season opener at San Siro saw Inter’s attacking prowess on full display. Defender Alessandro Bastoni broke the deadlock early, setting the tone for what would become an emphatic team performance. Marcus Thuram, one of Inter’s key attacking threats, showcased his clinical finishing with a well-taken brace. Club captain Lautaro Martinez added to the tally, further cementing his reputation as one of Serie A’s most reliable forwards. The final flourish came from Ange-Yoan Bonny, a summer signing whose debut goal delighted the home fans and hinted at his potential impact this season.

This comprehensive win not only boosts Inter’s confidence but also sends a clear message to their title rivals. The Nerazzurri’s cohesive play, tactical discipline, and attacking fluidity have already made them one of the teams to watch as the season unfolds.

Preparations for Udinese: Maintaining Momentum at San Siro

Looking ahead, Inter Milan is set to host Udinese at San Siro on Sunday, August 31. The fixture presents an opportunity for Chivu’s side to build on their strong start and maintain momentum before the international break. Udinese, managed by Kosta Runjaic, come into the match following a 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona in their own season opener.

Historically, Inter has enjoyed a dominant record against Udinese at home. In their last seven meetings at San Siro, Inter have emerged victorious each time, scoring a total of 18 goals while conceding just three. This impressive record gives the Nerazzurri a psychological edge, but Chivu and his staff will be keen to ensure complacency does not creep in.

Team news ahead of the clash is positive for Inter. Key midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Pio Esposito are set to return from suspension, giving Chivu a full squad to select from. This depth will be crucial as Inter look to balance Serie A ambitions with forthcoming European commitments.

Summer Signings and Squad Depth

One of the most intriguing aspects of Inter’s new campaign is the integration of their summer signings. Ange-Yoan Bonny, who made an immediate impact with a goal on his debut, is expected to feature prominently this season. Other new arrivals, such as Luiz Henrique, Andy Diouf, and Petar Sucic, provide Chivu with additional options across the pitch. Sucic, in particular, impressed in the opening match and could retain his place in the starting lineup against Udinese.

This influx of fresh talent, combined with established stars like Martinez, Bastoni, and Thuram, has strengthened Inter’s squad depth. The ability to rotate players and maintain high performance levels will be vital as the season progresses and fixture congestion increases.

What to Expect from the Udinese Match

Tactically, Inter are expected to stick with the approach that brought them success against Torino. Chivu’s system emphasizes quick transitions, disciplined defending, and creative interplay in the final third. With the return of Calhanoglu and Esposito, Inter’s midfield will have added dynamism and control, which could prove decisive in breaking down Udinese’s defensive setup.

Udinese, meanwhile, will likely adopt a cautious strategy, aiming to frustrate Inter and exploit any opportunities on the counterattack. Under Runjaic, Udinese have become known for their organization and resilience, but breaking their winless streak at San Siro will be a formidable challenge.

Key Players to Watch

Lautaro Martinez remains the heartbeat of Inter’s attack. After a prolific previous season, the Argentine forward has started this campaign in similar fashion, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing. Marcus Thuram’s partnership with Martinez is another highlight, as the French striker’s physicality and pace complement his teammate’s technical skills.

In midfield, Hakan Calhanoglu’s creativity and set-piece prowess will be instrumental, while Bastoni continues to anchor the defense with composure and leadership. For Udinese, much will depend on their ability to contain Inter’s attacking threats and capitalize on set pieces or transitional moments.

Looking Ahead: The Importance of a Strong Start

This fixture marks Inter’s final game before the first international break of the season. Securing another victory would not only maintain their early lead in the standings but also build further momentum for the challenges ahead. With a full squad available and several players in excellent form, Chivu’s men are well-positioned to continue their winning run.

The early signs suggest that Inter Milan are serious contenders for the Scudetto this season. Their blend of experienced leaders, talented newcomers, and tactical clarity has created a sense of optimism among supporters. As the campaign progresses, maintaining focus and consistency will be key to turning this promising start into a title-winning season.

For more on Inter Milan’s season and Serie A updates, visit: Gazzetta dello Sport and Football Italia.