Inter Milan`s Alessandro Bastoni celebrates his opening goal during a dominant Serie A fixture.
The curtain rose on a new Serie A season, and with it, a fresh chapter for Inter Milan. The air at San Siro was thick with expectation, not just for the league`s return, but for the debut of a new coach, Cristian Chivu. What unfolded was a dominant 5-0 demolition of Torino, a victory that was more than just three points; it was a resounding declaration, echoing across Italy`s football landscape and signaling a clear intent for the campaign ahead.
The Chivu Effect: A Tactical Masterclass
Cristian Chivu, a name synonymous with Inter`s recent glory years as a player, stepped onto the touchline for his Serie A coaching debut, and the script couldn`t have been more perfectly written. This wasn`t merely a win; it was a triumphant breaking of a 22-year-old “foreign coach debut” anomaly at Inter, a statistic dating back to Hector Cuper in 2003. Chivu`s philosophy, aptly described as “fluidity,” promises a dynamic evolution of the familiar 3-5-2 system, encouraging a mesmerizing interchange of positions and relentless attacking intent. It was, as some astute observers noted, a comprehensive “letter of intent” for the season to come.
“Inter`s 5-0 against Torino is a letter of intent of what they want to show during the year. The ability to tightly link the old and new course, the Pillars of Hercules of two Champions League finals in three years, and the more recent ones, from Bonny to Sucic, ready to insert themselves with impactful touches into the squad.”
A Five-Goal Extravaganza: The Story of the Goals
Inter, initially playing with a deceptive calm, observed their opponents before unleashing a torrent of goals that left Torino reeling. Here`s how the narrative unfolded:
- Bastoni`s Opener (18`): The deadlock broke early. A perfectly weighted corner from Nicolo Barella found the towering figure of Alessandro Bastoni, whose flicked header sent the San Siro faithful into raptures. A classic set-piece execution to ignite the scoreboard.
- Thuram`s Precision (35`): Just before halftime, new midfield maestro Sucic, already showing why he`s rapidly becoming “Meazza`s favorite #8,” threaded a sublime through pass. Marcus Thuram, with a clinical low drive, doubled Inter`s lead, showcasing both vision and finishing prowess.
- Lautaro`s Poacher Instinct (52`): The second half began with Captain Lautaro Martinez reminding everyone of his predatory instincts. Capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse – a misplaced back pass from Torino`s Gineitis – the Argentine pounced with a sharp lunge, bagging his first goal of the season with the ruthlessness of a true predator.
- Thuram`s Brace (62`): The partnership between attack and defense truly sparkled when Bastoni, venturing forward into the attacking third, delivered a pinpoint cross. Thuram, demonstrating excellent aerial ability, headed home at the far post for his second of the night and Inter`s fourth. Bastoni, it seems, is not just a defender but a significant creative force.
- Bonny`s Dream Debut (72`): The final, and arguably most heartwarming, goal came from debutant Ange-Yoan Bonny. Substituted into the heart of the attack, the young Frenchman wasted no time, connecting with a pass from Lautaro to etch his name onto the scoresheet in his very first Serie A appearance. A clear signal of Chivu`s trust in fresh talent and Bonny`s immediate impact.
New Faces, Familiar Brilliance: The Squad`s Depth Shines
While established veterans like goalkeeper Sommer (making crucial saves when called upon), Acerbi, Dimarco, and Dumfries proved their continued mettle, the spotlight shone brightly on the emerging talents. Sucic, with his vision, powerful shots, and playmaking ability, appears to have seamlessly integrated into Inter`s midfield, earning instant adoration from the home crowd. Bonny`s immediate impact, a goal on debut, suggests he will be a vital “weapon” off the bench – a player Chivu clearly understands and trusts from their shared time at Parma.
And then there`s Marcus Thuram, whose impressive brace provided the perfect answer to a somewhat “shadowy and disappointing” 2025 campaign. With his legendary father, Lilian, and brother Khéphren watching from the stands, it was a deeply personal triumph, setting the stage for an intriguing family reunion on the pitch later in the season when Inter faces Juventus. His performance was a stark reminder of his quality when fully motivated and firing.
Tactical Nuances: Chivu`s Fluid System Takes Shape
Chivu`s blueprint extends far beyond mere goal-scoring. His emphasis on “fluidity” translated into a constantly shifting midfield, where Barella, initially a deep-lying playmaker, seamlessly exchanged positions with Sucic, creating a labyrinthine challenge for Torino`s defense. This dynamic approach, meticulously honed during the pre-season, ensures that Inter remains unpredictable, relentlessly offensive, and a headache for any opposition hoping to track static positions.
The Road Ahead: A Season of High Expectations
This dominant opening victory is more than just three points; it`s a bold declaration of intent. Napoli and Juventus may have already sent their own messages to the league, but Inter`s response was a resounding five-goal crescendo. While some might jokingly suggest that Torino`s performance made it “feel like a friendly,” true champions seize such opportunities with ruthless efficiency and make no apologies for exploiting every weakness. The season is long, but if this opener is any indication, Inter Milan under Cristian Chivu is poised to be a formidable, entertaining, and perhaps even a touch ironic, force to be reckoned with. The message is clear: Inter is here, and they mean business.
