Inter Milan kicked off their Serie A title defense with a convincing 4-1 victory over visiting Monza at the San Siro, on an evening that also saw the future of captain Lautaro Martínez resolved following reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.
The Nerazzurri needed just six minutes to open the scoring through Hakan Çalhánoğlu, but Monza equalized via Gustavo Varela in the 29th minute, leaving the sides level at 1-1 at halftime.
The champions struck forcefully after the break as Piotr Zieliński restored the hosts’ lead in the 48th minute, before Francesco Pio Esposito added a third in the 55th minute.
Yann Bisseck wrapped up the scoring for the Italian champions in the 63rd minute to seal the victory against the Brianza side and secure the first three points of the new season for Cristian Chivu’s men.
Coinciding with the strong start, Inter President Giuseppe Marotta firmly closed the door on Lautaro’s departure, confirming the club’s commitment to the Argentine striker despite Barcelona’s interest in signing him this summer.
“Lautaro is our captain and our history, and the conditions to sell him simply do not exist,” Marotta said. “His departure from Inter this summer should not even be discussed.”
Marotta’s statements rule out a potential transfer for Lautaro to Barcelona, ensuring the Argentine striker remains the focal point of the Nerazzurri project as Inter prepares to face Cagliari away from home on August 30 in Serie A’s second round.
