Following a five-star showing on the opening matchday, Inter Milan’s quest to reclaim the Serie A crown continues this Sunday with a home fixture against Udinese at the iconic San Siro. The Nerazzurri, still basking in the glow of their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Torino, are looking to build early-season momentum under new head coach Cristian Chivu. The former Romanian international, a beloved figure from Inter’s historic treble-winning side of 2010, has returned to the club in a managerial capacity, and his debut in the dugout could hardly have gone better. After a turbulent end to the 2024–25 campaign that saw Inter stumble out of title contention and exit Europe prematurely, the new season offers a clean slate—and Chivu’s men have wasted no time in laying down a marker.
Inter’s opening-day performance was a masterclass in attacking efficiency and defensive control. From the first whistle, they imposed their will on Torino, suffocating the visitors with relentless pressing and fluid movement. Alessandro Bastoni’s early goal set the tone, and from there, the floodgates opened. Marcus Thuram, whose form has been steadily rising since his arrival, netted twice with clinical precision, while captain Lautaro Martínez added his customary strike to keep his name among the league’s elite forwards. The final flourish came from Ange-Yoan Bonny, a summer signing who followed Chivu from Parma and wasted no time in making his mark. His goal was not just a celebration of individual talent but a symbol of the new era taking shape at Inter—a blend of youth, experience, and tactical clarity.
Chivu’s appointment was met with a mix of surprise and intrigue. Though he had impressed in youth coaching roles and earned plaudits for guiding Parma to safety last season, few expected him to be handed the reins at one of Italy’s most storied clubs. Yet, his deep understanding of Inter’s culture, combined with a modern tactical approach, made him an appealing choice for a club seeking both continuity and innovation. His preseason stint at the Club World Cup in the United States offered a valuable opportunity to assess his squad, even if the performances were underwhelming. More importantly, it allowed Chivu to identify areas of weakness and begin the process of psychological healing after last season’s collapse. The result was a rejuvenated side that looked sharp, focused, and hungry in their Serie A opener.
Looking ahead, Inter’s fixture list is packed with high-stakes encounters. The expanded Champions League format will see them host English heavyweights Arsenal and Liverpool at San Siro, while a Derby d’Italia clash with Juventus looms immediately after the international break. These matches will test the depth and resilience of Chivu’s squad, but first, they must navigate a potentially tricky encounter with Udinese. Historically, Inter have dominated this fixture, winning each of their last six meetings with the Friulani, including three victories last season. Udinese’s last triumph at San Siro feels like a distant memory, and their recent record away to Inter is dismal—eight consecutive defeats without scoring more than a single goal in any of those matches.
Despite the odds, Udinese will arrive in Milan with quiet determination. Head coach Kosta Runjaic, now in his second season at the helm, has been tasked with rebuilding a side that faltered badly in the latter stages of the previous campaign. Their pre-season form was encouraging, with three straight wins capped by a comfortable Coppa Italia victory over Carrarese. In their Serie A opener, Udinese took the lead against Hellas Verona through a well-timed header from Thomas Kristensen, but defensive lapses allowed the visitors to equalize, and the match ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. That result extended Udinese’s poor run in the league—just one win in their last twelve matches—and underscored the challenges Runjaic faces in restoring consistency and belief.
Tactically, Udinese will need to be at their very best to contain Inter’s attacking threats. The partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram is among the most potent in the league, combining pace, power, and intelligent movement. Thuram’s ability to stretch defenses and create space complements Lautaro’s instinctive finishing and leadership. Behind them, the midfield is anchored by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, whose return from suspension adds creativity and control. The Turkish playmaker missed the Torino match but is expected to slot back into the starting XI, potentially displacing Petar Sucic, who was the only new signing to start last week. Sucic’s performance was solid, but Chivu may opt for experience in a match that demands precision and composure.
Inter’s summer transfer activity has been strategic and purposeful. Rather than overhauling the squad, Chivu has focused on evolution—adding players who can contribute immediately while also planning for the future. Luiz Henrique, Andy Diouf, Petar Sucic, and Ange Bonny have all arrived with clear roles in mind. Bonny’s debut goal was a statement of intent, and his familiarity with Chivu’s methods from their time at Parma could prove invaluable. Diouf and Henrique offer versatility and energy, while Sucic brings technical quality and tactical intelligence. With Francesco Pio Esposito also returning from suspension, Chivu has a full complement of players to choose from, allowing him to rotate and experiment as needed.
Udinese, meanwhile, are dealing with a few setbacks. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is serving a two-month ban for illegal betting, a blow that has forced Runjaic to rely on Razvan Sava between the posts. Sava is talented but inexperienced, and facing Inter’s high-powered attack will be a baptism of fire. Matteo Palma is also a doubt due to a muscular issue, further limiting Udinese’s options. In attack, Keinan Davis and Iker Bravo are expected to lead the line, with recent signing Adam Buksa and veteran Alexis Sánchez—returning to San Siro in opposition colors—likely to feature from the bench. Sánchez’s experience and familiarity with Inter could be an asset, but his role is likely to be limited to late-game impact.
Midfield will be a key battleground. Udinese’s trio of Arthur Gronbaek, Valentin Carboni, and Nicolae Stanciu offers creativity and grit, but they will need to be disciplined and cohesive to withstand Inter’s pressing and quick transitions. Carboni, on loan from Inter, will be eager to impress against his parent club, while Stanciu’s leadership and passing range could help unlock spaces in Inter’s defense. Gronbaek’s box-to-box energy will be crucial in tracking runners and breaking up play. If Udinese can establish control in midfield and limit turnovers, they may be able to frustrate Inter and create counter-attacking opportunities.
Defensively, Udinese must be compact and organized. Inter’s wide play—particularly through wing-backs and overlapping center-backs—can stretch defenses and create overloads. Bastoni’s ability to drive forward and deliver crosses adds another dimension to Inter’s attack, and Udinese will need to track these movements carefully. Set pieces could also be decisive, with both teams possessing aerial threats and well-rehearsed routines. Discipline will be essential—any lapse in concentration or reckless challenge could shift momentum and open the door for Inter to capitalize.
Beyond tactics and personnel, the emotional stakes of the match are significant. For Inter, it’s about sustaining momentum and reinforcing belief in Chivu’s project. The fans at San Siro are hungry for success and have embraced the new era with cautious optimism. A second consecutive win would not only solidify their position near the top of the table but also send a message to rivals that Inter are back and ready to challenge for honors. For Udinese, it’s about resilience and redemption. A positive result in Milan would lift spirits and provide a foundation for growth, especially with winnable fixtures on the horizon.
As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds. The stage is set for a clash of styles, ambitions, and narratives. Inter, with their attacking firepower and renewed identity, will look to dominate and entertain. Udinese, with their underdog spirit and tactical discipline, will aim to disrupt and surprise. Whether it ends in a routine win for the hosts or a shock result for the visitors, the match will offer insight into the evolving dynamics of Serie A—a league where tradition meets transformation, and where every fixture carries the weight of history and hope.
