ROME — Inter Milan begins their Serie A title defence on Saturday as clear favourites to retain the Scudetto, but the reigning champions have undergone significant changes since completing a league and Italian Cup double in May.
Cristian Chivu is entering his second season in charge and has reshaped a squad he inherited from Simone Inzaghi little over a year ago.
The Romanian has focused on rejuvenating an ageing team while adding a distinctly Premier League flavour during the summer transfer window, AFP reported.
Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez is expected to take over from the departed Yann Sommer as part of a refreshed rearguard that was showing signs of wear.
Veterans Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij have all moved on, while Died Spence, who impressed for England at the 2026 World Cup, has arrived alongside experienced Manchester City centre-back John Stones.
Manuel Akanji, another former City defender, has completed a permanent switch after joining Inter on loan last term, but Denzel Dumfries is now at Real Madrid.
Inter is also pursuing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as they look to maintain a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
With captain Lautaro Martinez and France forward Marcus Thuram continuing to lead the attack, supported by emerging talents Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter are targeting a third league title in four seasons.
They are also eager to make amends for a disappointing European campaign that ended in the knockout play-off round against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
“The objective is always to win, always to dominate the league,” midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu recently told beIN Sports. “In five seasons I’ve won eight trophies and played in two Champions League finals, and we’ll keep trying to win titles.”
