Inter begin Serie A title defence as 2026/27 season gets under way

Inter begin the defence of their Serie A title on Saturday as the 2026/27 Italian top-flight season gets under way, with the Nerazzurri again regarded as the team to beat.

Cristian Chivu’s side open their campaign against newly promoted Monza after completing a domestic double last season by winning both Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Inter have undergone another significant evolution during the summer, moving on from several experienced members of the squad while adding fresh quality in key areas.

John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Djed Spence have strengthened the defensive options, while Curtis Jones has arrived from Liverpool to reinforce the midfield.

Despite those changes, the core of Inter’s attacking threat remains intact. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram are again expected to lead the forward line as the champions attempt to maintain their position at the top of Italian football.

The competition is likely to be stronger this season. Napoli are beginning a new cycle under Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus have retained Luciano Spalletti and strengthened their attack, while AC Milan are attempting to recover under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Roma and Como also enter the campaign with ambitions of challenging the established order after strong previous seasons and further investment in their squads.

Inter nevertheless start the season with the advantage of continuity at the top of the table and a squad that has been reinforced rather than rebuilt completely.

Their opening meeting with Monza provides the first test of whether the champions can immediately re-establish the consistency that carried them to the Scudetto last season.