Defending champions face the newcomers. Prediction for Inter vs Monza
In the opening round of the new Serie A season, Inter will host Monza at home. The match will take place in Milan on Saturday, August 22, with kickoff set for 18:30 Central European Time. I’m offering my pick for the winner of this clash.
- Read also: Chance for an upset or a walk in the park? Prediction for SC St. Tönis vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Head-to-head and key stats
- Inter went unbeaten throughout their summer training camp.
- In Serie A, Kivu’s men are undefeated in ten consecutive matches.
- Monza beat Avellino in their first game of the new season in the Coppa Italia.
- Monza have beaten Inter just once in Serie A, with three defeats and two draws in their other encounters.
Nerazzurri begin their title defense
Last season was triumphant for Inter. The team clinched the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, securing a historic double. Now, Christian Kivu’s squad faces the challenge of proving they remain Italy’s top side and getting their title defense off to a strong start.
This summer, Inter began a gradual squad overhaul. The club parted ways with several veteran players, bringing in new faces to inject energy and competition. Among the most notable signings was John Stones, who joined from Manchester City on a free transfer, while the right flank is set to be bolstered by Djed Spence.
Inter’s preseason was packed and productive. Kivu’s men held training camps and played friendlies, steadily building form for the new campaign. One of the most telling tune-ups was a 2-1 win over Juventus in Perth. Inter wrapped up their preseason with a 1-0 victory over Betis, with Stones netting his debut goal for the Nerazzurri.
Inter’s main advantage heading into the new season is their chemistry and the retention of their championship core. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram remain the attacking spearheads, and Kivu has the chance to continue refining his system.
A true test for the newcomers
Monza return to Serie A after a season in the second division. They finished third in last year’s Serie B campaign and successfully navigated the playoffs. In the final against Catanzaro, Monza secured promotion thanks to their higher finish in the regular season standings.
Their objective is clear—stay up in the top flight. Monza rejoin a league where the competition is fiercer, and most rivals have significantly greater financial and personnel resources. Every point against direct competitors will be crucial, while a trip to San Siro in the first round is a daunting challenge.
This summer, Monza focused on targeted reinforcements. Notable new arrivals include striker Patrick Cutrone, signed permanently from Como, and Gustavo Varela. The club also bolstered their flanks: Ricardo Mangas is one option to strengthen the defense and can play as a wing-back in a three-center-back formation.
Monza’s preseason was all about adapting quickly to Serie A standards. Under new head coach Ivan Jurić, they’ve already played one official match, easily dispatching Alessandro Nesta’s Avellino in the Coppa Italia at home.
Probable lineups
- Inter: Martínez, Akanji, Stones, Bastoni, Diou, Dimarco, Zieliński, Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Thuram, Lautaro Martínez.
- Monza: Thiam, Carboni, Carri, Quadio, Birindelli, Mangas, Akinsanmiro, Colombo, Colpani, Cutrone, Varela.
What’s the pick?
Inter are clear favorites. The Milan giants boast a stronger and deeper squad, enjoy home advantage, and kick off the season as defending champions. Monza have the drive and motivation to make a statement on their Serie A return, but the difference in class is likely to be decisive. Expect a confident Inter win with a -1.5 goal handicap.
