Inter begin title defence with stylish 4-1 win over Monza

Inter Milan launched their Serie A title defence with a commanding 4-1 home victory over Monza on Saturday. The Italian champions took an early lead in the sixth minute, as Hakan Calhanoglu fired a powerful first-time shot from outside the penalty box into the roof of the net. Monza equalised just before halftime through Gustavo Varela, who scored his Serie A debut goal after a quick turn by Manuel Akanji.

Inter regained control after the break and extended their lead to three goals before the end of the first half. Pio Esposito's clever back-heel and Andy Diouf's assist set up Diouf to finish with a neat shot past the stranded keeper. Piotr Zielinski added a fourth goal eight minutes later after Semuel Pizzignacco's deflected shot presented a chance.

Monza's manager, Cristian Chivu, admitted his side struggled in the first half due to Inter's dominance. Napoli began their season with a 2-0 win at Genoa, thanks to late goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Antonio Vergara.