Key Takeaways:
- Inter will begin their Serie A title defence against newly-promoted Monza at San Siro on Saturday
- Cristian Chivu has expressed confidence that Lautaro Martinez will remain at the club despite links to Barcelona
- Inter’s summer transfer activity has included the arrivals of Curtis Jones, John Stones, and Djed Spence
Serie A Title Defence Gets Underway
Inter are set to launch their bid to defend the Scudetto title on Saturday at San Siro, where they will host newly-promoted Monza. After claiming a domestic double with the Serie A title and Coppa Italia in his maiden season, head coach Cristian Chivu enters only his second full campaign in senior management with Inter widely regarded as the side to beat.
Chivu addressed the media ahead of the match, stating, “We start from scratch, albeit aware that we are the team to beat,” underscoring the heightened expectations surrounding the defending champions. He highlighted the necessity for continued competitiveness and ambition, citing the club’s consistently high standard in recent years and emphasising the importance of improvement and hunger for further success.
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La conferenza stampa di Cristian Chivu alla vigilia della prima di campionato 📺Guarda ora 👉 https://t.co/9dEp5NTH0A pic.twitter.com/K44NNRVn68
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) August 21, 2026
Addressing Transfer Rumours and Lautaro Martinez’s Future
Recent reports from Spain, Argentina, and Italy have suggested that Barcelona are targeting Inter captain Lautaro Martinez after being unable to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Despite such media speculation, Chivu remains untroubled about the Argentine forward’s future at the club. He pointed to Lautaro’s World Cup triumph in 2022 and recent run to a major final, highlighting his pivotal role and leadership within Inter’s project.
Chivu responded, “There are always stories at this time of year. We’re pleased they are talking about our players, because it means they’re recognised as some of the best in the world,” before reaffirming that he hopes Lautaro will continue to lead both now and in the future. He added that the unpredictable nature of the transfer market means nothing can be guaranteed but made clear his desire for Lautaro to remain.
Busy Summer Transfer Market Bolsters Inter Squad
Inter have been proactive in the transfer window, reshaping their squad for another title challenge. The club saw Denzel Dumfries depart, with his replacement arriving in the form of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur following unsuccessful negotiations with other targets. In addition, John Stones and Curtis Jones, both capped by England, have joined the squad from the Premier League.
Chivu commented on the integration of new signings, specifically Curtis Jones, indicating that he had held conversations with him prior to his arrival and praised the qualities that Jones brings to Inter. He extended this praise to both Spence and Stones, expressing confidence that the trio will help elevate the club to another level.
Chivu highlighted that Spence was chosen for his unique attributes and potential, declining to directly compare him to Dumfries and asserting that Spence will join a squad intent on continuing its dominance.
