Inter Milan 4-1 Monza (Aug 22, 2026) Game Analysis - ESPN

Inter Milan opened its Serie A title defense with a 4-1 win over newly promoted Monza at San Siro on Aug. 22, 2026. Hakan Calhanoglu scored early, but Monza’s Portuguese striker Gustavo Varela leveled before halftime. Inter responded decisively after the break as Piotr Zielinski, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Yann Bisseck scored to secure a comfortable result. England defender John Stones got a winning start with his Inter debut coming off the bench in the second half. Andy Diouf teed up Calhanoglu at the edge of the box for the opener. Monza cut through in the 29th minute with their first shot on target, but Inter tightened control after halftime, scoring twice within seven minutes.