Inter began the new Serie A season in authoritative fashion, beating Monza 4-1 in the opening round. The match was balanced only in the first half, while after the break the Nerazzurri took complete control and turned the contest into a comprehensive victory.
Quick lead, but Monza responded before the break
Inter found the opening goal as early as the 6th minute, when Hakan Çalhanoğlu struck firmly from distance and sent the ball into the net.
Monza, however, did not fall apart. In the 29th minute, Gustavo Varela took advantage of a chance inside the box and restored parity, sending the teams into half-time at 1-1.
Inter changed pace immediately after the restart
Inter settled the match at the start of the second half. In the 48th minute, Piotr Zieliński restored the lead after a move that came from a corner kick.
Just seven minutes later came the standout moment of the match. Francesco Pio Esposito made it 3-1 from an Andy Diouf assist, finishing elegantly with his heel.
The fourth goal sealed Inter’s dominance
Inter’s pressure continued and the fourth goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Yann Bisseck finished accurately with his left foot, while this time the assist came from Esposito.
The Nerazzurri came close to a fifth goal a few minutes later, when in the 67th minute Manuel Akanji hit the crossbar with a header following a corner.
Three full points in the opening round
In the end, Monza tried to reopen the match, but Inter managed their advantage without leaving spaces and closed out the contest with a 4-1 victory.
For the Nerazzurri, it was a convincing start to the league campaign, while Monza begin the season with a heavy defeat.
Serie A, Round 1: Inter-Monza 4-1.
Scorers: Çalhanoğlu 6′, Varela 29′, Zieliński 48′, Esposito 55′, Bisseck 63′.