Seeking redemption for a season that promised so much yet delivered heartbreak in abundance, Inter Milan begin their 2025–26 Serie A campaign on Monday evening with a home fixture against Torino at the iconic San Siro. The Nerazzurri, still reeling from the late collapse that saw them miss out on multiple trophies last term, now embark on a new chapter under fresh leadership, determined to reclaim their place atop Italian football. Their opponents, Torino, arrive in Milan under new management themselves, hoping to defy history and kickstart their own season with a statement performance against one of the league’s heavyweights.
Inter’s 2024–25 campaign was, in many ways, a masterclass in how quickly promise can unravel. For much of the season, Simone Inzaghi’s side looked poised to sweep the domestic and European stages. They played with flair, tactical cohesion, and a sense of inevitability that made them the envy of Serie A. But as the season reached its climax, the wheels came off in spectacular fashion. First came the bitter defeat to city rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals—a loss that stung not just for its timing but for the opponent involved. Then, in a dramatic final day of the league season, Inter surrendered the Scudetto to Napoli by a single point, a gut-wrenching conclusion to a campaign that had once seemed destined for glory. The final blow came in the Champions League, where they were dismantled by Paris Saint-Germain in a final that exposed their tactical vulnerabilities and emotional fatigue. It was a brutal trilogy of defeats, and one that ultimately led to Inzaghi’s resignation.
The club’s search for a new manager was fraught with setbacks. High-profile targets such as Cesc Fabregas and Patrick Vieira declined the opportunity, leaving the board to pivot toward a more sentimental and internally familiar option: Cristian Chivu. A member of Inter’s legendary 2010 treble-winning squad, Chivu had recently guided Parma to safety in Serie A and was seen as a figure who could reconnect the club with its roots while ushering in a new era. Though inexperienced at the senior level, Chivu’s understanding of Inter’s culture and his rapport with younger players made him an intriguing choice. His appointment was met with cautious optimism, and the Club World Cup offered him an early opportunity to test his mettle.
Inter’s performance in the Club World Cup was a mixed bag. They navigated the group stage unbeaten, showing flashes of the attacking verve that had defined their previous campaign. However, a 2–0 defeat to Fluminense in the last 16 brought their run to an abrupt end. The loss, while disappointing, allowed Chivu and his squad a much-needed break to regroup and refocus. A shortened pre-season followed, during which Inter won all three of their friendlies, suggesting that the team was beginning to absorb Chivu’s tactical ideas and rediscover its rhythm. Now, with competitive action resuming, the real test begins.
Inter could not have asked for a more favorable opponent to open their campaign. Torino have long struggled against the Nerazzurri, losing 11 of their last 12 league meetings and each of the last six by a combined score of 12–2. Their record at San Siro is even more dismal, with no league wins in 18 visits, including matches against both Inter and Milan. Yet, history alone does not win matches, and Inter will be wary of complacency. Torino, despite their recent struggles, possess enough quality to pose problems, especially under new manager Marco Baroni.
Torino’s own 2024–25 season ended in disappointment. After a promising start, they faded badly, winning just one of their final nine matches and slipping out of the top half of the table. A 2–0 home defeat to Roma on the final day sealed the fate of manager Paolo Vanoli, who was promptly replaced by Baroni, formerly of Lazio. Baroni inherits a squad in transition, having lost key midfielder Samuele Ricci to Milan and seen several other departures. However, the arrival of long-term target Giovanni Simeone adds firepower to the attack, and he will compete with Scotland international Che Adams for a starting role. The duo offers contrasting styles—Simeone’s poaching instincts complement Adams’ physicality and hold-up play—and Baroni will hope to harness their strengths effectively.
Torino’s pre-season was underwhelming, with back-to-back defeats raising concerns about the team’s readiness. However, they began the new campaign with a narrow Coppa Italia win over Modena, courtesy of a goal from Nikola Vlasic. That victory set up a second-round tie against Pisa, but the immediate focus is on navigating a brutal opening stretch in Serie A. After facing Inter, Torino must contend with Fiorentina, Roma, and Atalanta BC in quick succession—a gauntlet that will test Baroni’s tactical acumen and the squad’s resilience.
Inter, for their part, have retained most of their core players, ensuring continuity and stability. Captain Lautaro Martinez remains the heartbeat of the attack, and he will be joined by Marcus Thuram, who enjoyed a breakout season last term. Thuram’s record against Torino is particularly impressive, having scored four league goals against them, including his only career hat-trick. His pace, movement, and finishing ability make him a constant threat, and his partnership with Martinez is one of the most potent in the league. Behind them, Yann Sommer will marshal a defense that blends experience with emerging talent, while the midfield will be reshaped in the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu, who is suspended.
To compensate for an ageing squad, Inter have made several strategic signings. Luiz Henrique adds depth and flair to the wings, while Ange-Yoan Bonny—who followed Chivu from Parma—offers versatility and youthful exuberance. Midfielders Andy Diouf and Petar Sucic bring energy and dynamism, qualities that were sorely lacking in the latter stages of last season. These additions reflect a shift in recruitment strategy, focusing on players who can contribute immediately while also growing within the system.
Torino’s squad, though depleted, is not without promise. Duvan Zapata returns from a long injury layoff and will compete for minutes alongside Adams and Simeone. The Colombian striker, once a feared presence in Serie A, will be eager to prove he still has the tools to make an impact. In midfield, new signings Tino Anjorin, Zakaria Aboukhlal, and Cyril Ngonge provide options and creativity. Ngonge, who joined on loan from Napoli, is particularly intriguing—his dribbling and unpredictability could unlock defenses and offer a spark in tight matches. In goal, Franco Israel replaces Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who moved in the opposite direction, and he will be tasked with organizing a defense missing key figures like Perr Schuurs and Ardian Ismajli.
The tactical battle promises to be fascinating. Chivu is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing wing play and quick transitions. His approach blends elements of Inzaghi’s system with his own emphasis on positional discipline and pressing. Baroni, meanwhile, may opt for a more conservative setup, seeking to frustrate Inter and hit on the counter. The midfield duel will be pivotal, with Diouf and Sucic looking to dominate possession and dictate tempo, while Torino’s engine room must find ways to disrupt their rhythm.
Beyond the tactics and personnel, the match carries emotional significance. For Inter, it is a chance to begin the healing process, to put the scars of last season behind them and forge a new identity under Chivu. The fans, passionate and demanding, will fill San Siro with expectation and hope, eager to see signs of progress and purpose. For Torino, it is an opportunity to defy the odds, to challenge a giant and lay the foundation for a successful campaign. The players, many of whom are new to the club, will be tested not just in skill but in character.
As the teams take to the pitch under the lights of San Siro, the stakes will be clear. Inter must win to set the tone for a season of redemption. Torino must compete to validate their vision and inspire belief. The managers, each with their own philosophies and pressures, will pace the touchline, issuing instructions and reacting to every twist and turn. The fans, vocal and vibrant, will lend their voices to the drama, creating an atmosphere that reflects the intensity of the occasion.
In the end, football is more than tactics and transfers—it is about moments. Moments of brilliance, of courage, of connection. Monday’s match promises all of these and more. Whether it’s a stunning goal, a tactical masterstroke, or a last-minute twist, the contest will leave its mark. And as the final whistle blows, the questions will linger. Can Inter reclaim their throne? Can Torino defy the odds? The answers will come, but for now, all eyes turn to San Siro, where the story of the 2025–26 Serie A season begins in earnest.
