Inter dominate Monza as Napoli start season with win over Genoa

Inter Milan kicked off their title defence with a convincing 4-1 victory against newly‑promoted Monza on Saturday, while Napoli earned a 2-0 win over Genoa under their freshly appointed manager.

Inter set the tone in Milan

The match turned decisive within six minutes when Hakan Calhanoglu unleashed a long‑range strike that left the Monza keeper stranded. The visitors replied just before the half‑hour mark, as Gustavo Varela headed home to make it 1-1.

After the interval, Piotr Zielinski restored the lead in the 48th minute, and eight minutes later Pio Esposito, who started over Marcus Thuram, finished an inventive back‑heel from Andy Diouf's cross. Yann Bisseck capped the scoring spree in the 63rd minute, confirming Inter as the early favourites for the Scudetto.

"We were a bit rusty during the first half, a bit too frantic as well," Cristian Chivu said of his side's performance.

Napoli's new boss hits the ground running

Across the league, Massimiliano Allegri, a six‑time Serie A winner who was dismissed by AC Milan after one season, oversaw a solid debut, with his side breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute. Substitute Kevin De Bruyne, returning from a hamstring setback, slotted the ball home and later set up Antonio Vergara for the second goal.

Allegri praised the Belgian, noting his unique vision on the pitch.

What the opening day means for the campaign

Both champions and challengers have signalled intent, and the early points could prove pivotal in a league where the top spots often hinge on consistency. Meanwhile, other clubs such as Como, set to make their Champions League debut, and Cagliari, who edged Parma 1-0, will look to build momentum.

The season's next fixtures see Milan and Juventus start against Torino and Frosinone respectively, offering further clues on how the title race will unfold.