San Siro, August 25, 2025 – The opening weekend of the Serie A season delivered a clear, unequivocal message from Inter Milan. Under the watchful eye of new Romanian head coach Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri dismantled Torino with a stunning 5-0 victory, firmly planting their flag as early title contenders. This emphatic win was not merely three points; it was a statement, a declaration of intent echoing through the Italian football landscape, perhaps with a pointed glance towards the messages already sent by Napoli and Juventus.
A New Chapter, A Historic Debut
Chivu`s debut on the Inter bench could hardly have been more auspicious. Not since Héctor Cúper in 2003 had a foreign manager secured a win in their inaugural Serie A match for the club. Twenty-two years is a considerable wait for a statistical anomaly to be corrected, and Chivu, armed with a knowing smile and a healthy dose of superstition during his pre-match press conference, clearly had a plan. That plan materialized into a comprehensive performance, blending the club`s established foundations with the vibrant energy of its emerging talents. The match showcased the seamless integration of seasoned Champions League finalists alongside fresh faces like Bonny and Sucic, all poised to leave their mark.
The Five-Goal Masterclass: A Diesel Engine Roars to Life
Inter`s performance was akin to a diesel engine: a brief period of calibration, a quarter-hour of assessing the opposition, before unleashing its full power. Torino, under Baroni, initially threatened with a couple of early forays from Ngonge, but Inter soon found their rhythm. What followed was a quartet of aces and a bonus joker:
- 18th Minute: Alessandro Bastoni initiated the scoring, flicking home a header from Nicolò Barella`s corner, a familiar sight for Interisti.
- 35th Minute: Marcus Thuram doubled the lead with a precise low shot, expertly found in space by an inventive pass from the impressive new Croatian midfielder, Sucic.
- 52nd Minute: Lautaro Martinez, the ever-predatory captain, capitalized on a misplaced back pass from Gineitis, poking the ball past Israel with a clinical finish for his first goal of the season. His tireless work rate, even tracking back into midfield, earned him well-deserved applause.
- 62nd Minute: Marcus Thuram notched his second, connecting with a far-post header from another excellent delivery by Bastoni. The defender, known for his forward runs and incisive passing, recorded his first assist of the season, a promising sign given his six assists last year.
- 72nd Minute: Ange-Yoan Bonny, introduced from the bench, immediately made his presence felt. Served by Lautaro, the French forward showed why Chivu, who coached him at Parma, is so keen to deploy him as a significant weapon off the bench. It was a perfectly timed debut goal, adding another layer of intrigue to Inter`s attacking options.
Chivu`s Fluidity: A Tactical Evolution
The core principle of Chivu`s philosophy is “fluidity.” While maintaining the familiar 3-5-2 structure with its tight passing and wide wing play, the system exhibited notable advancements observed during the summer tests and the recent World Cup. The three central midfielders seamlessly interchanged positions, creating defensive disorientation and opening passing lanes. Barella, nominally starting deeper, frequently ventured between the central defenders to collect the ball before pushing forward, often swapping roles with Sucic on the right flank. Sucic, in particular, was an instant hit at San Siro, controlling play, firing two shots from distance, and providing a crucial assist, validating his summer form. His performance suggested he has already passed the rigorous San Siro “trial by fire” with flying colors. Veteran stalwarts like Sommer, Bastoni, and Acerbi maintained their high standards, as did wing-backs Dimarco and Dumfries.
Thuram on Fire: A Story of Redemption
A special mention must be reserved for the “ThuLa” partnership (Thuram and Lautaro), which rekindled its scoring prowess. Marcus Thuram, after a somewhat subdued and disappointing 2025 campaign, carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders, much like Atlas. His two goals on the opening day served as a powerful declaration of his return to form, undoubtedly fueled by the special eyes watching from the stands: his father, the legendary Lilian Thuram, and his brother Khéphren, who had secured a victory with Juventus the previous day. Their impending clash in Matchday 3 at the Allianz Stadium adds another intriguing narrative to the season`s early stages.
This dominant victory is more than just a strong start; it`s a blueprint. Inter Milan under Chivu appears to be a well-oiled machine, capable of both veteran composure and youthful exuberance. As the season unfolds, this potent blend, coupled with a flexible tactical approach, signals a formidable challenge for any team aiming for the Serie A Scudetto.
Gilbert Pendleton