Serie A: Inter Thrash Monza 4-1 to Launch Title Defence

Inter Milan made a commanding start to their Serie A title defence on Saturday, defeating newly promoted Monza 4-1 at home.

The Italian champions took just six minutes to open the scoring, with Hakan Calhanoglu firing a powerful long-range effort past the Monza goalkeeper.

Monza, who returned to the top flight after a season in Serie B, responded in the 29th minute when Gustavo Varela found the equaliser.

Inter regained the lead three minutes after the restart as Piotr Zielinski struck in the 48th minute.

Pio Esposito, who was preferred to Marcus Thuram in the starting XI, extended Inter’s advantage eight minutes later with an impressive backheel finish from Andy Diouf’s cross.

Yann Bisseck completed the rout in the 63rd minute, putting Inter firmly in control and signalling their intent to retain the Scudetto.

England international John Stones, one of three English players signed by Inter during the summer transfer window, made his debut after coming on as a late substitute.

Inter manager Cristian Chivu admitted his side struggled for rhythm during the opening half but praised their response after the break.

“We were a bit rusty during the first half, a bit too frantic as well,” Chivu said. “We regained our calm and clarity after the break.”

Elsewhere, last season’s surprise package Como were held to a 1-1 draw away to Udinese after Greece forward Tasos Douvikas scored an equaliser in the second half.

Como will compete in the Champions League for the first time next month after finishing fourth last season under manager Cesc Fabregas.

Napoli, who finished runners-up last season, were scheduled to face Genoa later on Saturday as new manager Massimiliano Allegri began his tenure at the club.