Inter Milan has emphatically put last season’s heavy Champions League final defeat to PSG behind them, launching their new Serie A campaign with a spectacular 5-0 victory over Torino at the San Siro. The Nerazzurri were scintillating, entertaining, and carefree as they overwhelmed Ivan Jurić’s side in their home debut.
The performance validated manager Cristian Chivu’s pre-match comments about the team’s serenity and their ability to move past the summer’s disappointments and disputes. Inter’s play was overwhelming, showcasing a physical sharpness and an aggressive edge that typically takes weeks to develop.
Chivu’s debut on the Inter bench was a tactical success. Marcus Thuram scored a brace under the watchful eyes of his father and brother, while captain Lautaro Martínez was irrepressible. The Argentine stole the ball to score a goal of his own making and provided assists for his teammates. The defense was impenetrable, with Alessandro Bastoni actually opening the scoring with an excellent headed finish from a Nicolò Barella corner.
New signings also integrated seamlessly. Luka Sučić surprised with his repertoire, from dangerous long-range shots to deft back-heel passes that recalled the touch of great champions. A superb pass to Thuram for the second goal was reminiscent of his Croatia teammate Luka Modrić. Substitute Ebenezer Bonny then realized his dream of a debut goal, assisted by Martínez.
Inter played with a hunger and a desire to impose themselves, sending a strong statement to title rivals Napoli and Antonio Conte. The goals flowed throughout: Bastoni’s header (18’), Thuram’s first after combining with Sučić (32’), a poacher’s effort from Martínez, a headed second for Thuram, and Bonny’s debut strike after another Torino turnover.
While the San Siro crowd was satisfied with the perfect start, protests from the Nord stand against club restrictions continued, mirroring recent actions by AC Milan’s ultras. The two thousand travelling Torino fans, however, were left deeply disappointed. Their team failed to react and often underestimated the European vice-champions, playing with a concerning lightness.
For manager Ivan Jurić, a swift change is needed to overcome a painful result that will be hard to digest. His preference for building from the back backfired, with three goals originating from lost balls in their own defensive third. While few teams will be expected to take points from a rampant Inter at the San Siro, a 5-0 defeat demands serious reflection. This explosive debut suggests Inter are ready for another thrilling title battle.