On Monday, August 25, Cristian Chivu’s new Inter officially kicks off the 2025/26 season at San Siro, hosting Marco Baroni’s Torino in the Monday Match of Serie A’s opening round. The Nerazzurri come into this year after a season that went from dreaming of a treble to ending without a single trophy: following elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of AC Milan, the biggest disappointments were missing out on the Scudetto and the crushing 5-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The FIFA Club World Cup also brought no satisfaction, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Fluminense. The biggest change compared to last season is on the bench: Simone Inzaghi decided to leave Serie A for Al-Hilal, leaving a gap the club hopes Chivu—former Inter Primavera coach and fresh off saving Parma from relegation—can fill. In terms of the squad, no major stars have been sold, while talented youngsters like Bonny, Susic, Diouf and Luis Henrique have arrived. On the Granata side, there has been a revolution. After last season’s disappointing 11th-place finish, Paolo Vanoli was replaced by former Lazio manager Marco Baroni, with the clear objective of raising the bar after years of anonymity. Baroni has already welcomed signings such as Ngonge (whom he coached at Verona), Simeone, and Anjorin, but more moves may come before the transfer window closes. Starting away against one of the top Scudetto contenders, however, is far from easy. Still, football history tells us that it is often better to face stronger teams early on, when mechanisms and automatisms are not yet fully refined.

Inter's Recent Form and Key Stats

Inter approach this match after playing just three preseason friendlies, given that last season officially ended only on June 30 with the Club World Cup exit against Fluminense. Over the summer, the Nerazzurri picked up two wins against Monaco and Olympiacos, plus a draw with Monza. Their overall fitness is still in question due to limited preparation time.

The Serie A runners-up can benefit from playing at home, having won or drawn 10 of their last league games at San Siro. Cristian Chivu will be without suspended players Calhanoglu and Pio Esposito, while Frattesi’s condition remains uncertain. This gives a big opportunity in midfield to former Dinamo Zagreb player Susic. Bonny, Diouf and Luis Henrique are expected to start on the bench.

Torino's Recent Form and Key Stats

Torino made their competitive debut last weekend, beating Modena 1-0 in the Coppa Italia Round of 64 thanks to a second-half goal by Vlasic. Preseason results were inconsistent, as both tactics and personnel have changed. The defense is the main concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their five summer friendlies.

The Granata struggle away from home: in their last 10 away league matches, they collected just one win, five draws, and four defeats. Ahead of the tough trip to Milan, Marco Baroni cannot count on new signing Ismajli and long-term absentee Schuurs. Adams is set to start, while Zapata and Simeone should come off the bench.

Inter vs Torino Prediction and Tactical Overview

Despite some doubts surrounding Cristian Chivu’s new Inter, the Nerazzurri are clear favorites against Marco Baroni’s Torino. The home side are determined to start strong, leaving behind last season’s bitter ending with a convincing opening win.

Looking only at the head-to-heads at San Siro, Inter have won the last six meetings, including last year’s 3-2 victory. Torino’s last win here dates back to April 3, 2016 (2-1).

From a tactical perspective, Chivu’s Inter will look to exploit the flanks with Dimarco and Dumfries, while Baroni’s Torino will rely on winning the ball in midfield to launch counterattacks through Vlasic and Ngonge on the wings.

• Inter vs Torino Prediction by BetMines: Inter win (1) – 62% probability
  
  
• Inter vs Torino Prediction by BetMines: Draw (X) – 23% probability
  
  
• Inter vs Torino Prediction by BetMines: Torino win (2) – 15% probability

Probable Lineups Inter vs Torino

INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Susic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram. Coach: Cristian Chivu

TORINO (4-2-3-1): Israel; Pedersen, Coco, Maripan, Biraghi; Anjorin, Casadei; Ngonge, Vlasic, Aboukhlal; Adams. Coach: Marco Baroni