Lautaro Martinez starts on his birthday amid Barcelona speculation, as Inter begin the defence of their Serie A title by hosting new boys Monza.
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter dominated last season, winning both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia for a Domestic Double, and will begin this campaign as the favourites too.
There was only one real doubt over the starting XI here, as Lautaro Martinez has barely played since reaching the World Cup Final with Argentina.
However, amid rumours of Barcelona interest, the captain starts on his birthday alongside Francesco Pio Esposito.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is suspended, while new signings Djed Spence and Curtis Jones will only be present to salute the fans.
John Stones sits on the bench, having scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly, so Andy Diouf is on the right flank.
John Stones scores his first Inter goal in a 1-0 friendly victory over Real Betis (@inter)
Monza went through the promotion play-offs, but have changed a great deal over the summer, including the arrival of new coach Ivan Juric.
They opened their season with a 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Avellino, but are missing injured Matteo Pessina, Patrick Ciurria, Leonardo Colombo and Ebeneezer Akinsanmiro.
Idrissa Touré only arrived yesterday and hasn’t had time to be brought into the squad properly.
On top of that, Dany Mota Carvalho and goalkeeper Demba Thiam are suspended.
Gustavo Varela, who scored twice on his debut in the Coppa Italia, leads the attack with Andrea Colpani and Bakoune in support, rather than Patrick Cutrone.
Football Italia will be having a live post-match show from San Siro around 30 minutes after the final whistle. You can watch and subscribe to our YouTube Channel here.
Inter: J Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Esposito, Lautaro Martinez
Monza: Pizzignacco; Kouadio, Lucchesi, Carboni; Birindelli, Foe Ondoa, Mout, Mangas; Colpani, Bakoune; Varela
Post navigationSerie A Liveblog: Inter-Monza, Udinese-Como, Genoa-Napoli, Parma-Cagliari
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