Inter Milan kicked off their 2025–26 Serie A campaign with a thunderous statement, dismantling Torino 5–0 at the Giuseppe Meazza in a match that showcased tactical precision, attacking flair, and a new era under manager Cristian Chivu. It was a performance that not only thrilled the home crowd but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Inter are back, and they mean business.

This was Chivu’s first official league match in charge, and the Romanian tactician could not have asked for a better start. From the opening whistle, Inter dominated possession, dictated tempo, and carved open Torino’s defense with ease. The result was a five-goal masterclass that highlighted both individual brilliance and collective cohesion.

First-Half Control and Clinical Finishing

Inter wasted no time asserting their authority. Within the first 20 minutes, Alessandro Bastoni rose highest during a corner and guided a looping header past Franco Israel to open the scoring. The goal was a reward for sustained pressure and intelligent movement, with Bastoni’s timing and placement leaving the Torino defense flat-footed.

As the half progressed, Inter’s midfield trio of Barella, Mkhitaryan, and debutant Petar Sucic began to dominate the central areas. Their quick passing and positional rotations created space for the wingbacks, Dumfries and Dimarco, to push forward and stretch the play.

In the 36th minute, Sucic slipped a clever ball through to Marcus Thuram, who finished from a tight angle to double Inter’s lead. The French striker’s movement and composure were exemplary, and the goal capped off a fluid attacking sequence that left Torino chasing shadows.

By halftime, Inter had 58 percent possession and had registered 10 shots, five of which were on target. Torino, meanwhile, struggled to string passes together and looked overwhelmed by Inter’s intensity and structure.

Second-Half Onslaught

The second half began with more of the same. Just seven minutes after the restart, Lautaro Martinez capitalized on a defensive error, intercepting a misplaced backpass and calmly slotting home Inter’s third. The Argentine captain’s awareness and finishing were clinical, and the goal effectively ended any hopes of a Torino comeback.

Thuram added his second of the night in the 62nd minute, rising above the defense to head in a pinpoint cross from Bastoni. The goal was a testament to Inter’s aerial threat and Bastoni’s vision, as the center-back not only defended resolutely but also contributed significantly in attack.

The final blow came in the 72nd minute when Ange-Yoan Bonny, making his Serie A debut, latched onto a slick passing move and finished with confidence. The 19-year-old forward, signed from Parma, showed maturity beyond his years and added a fifth goal to cap off a dominant display.

Chivu’s Tactical Blueprint

Cristian Chivu’s fingerprints were all over this performance. His decision to start Sucic in midfield paid off handsomely, with the young Croatian showing poise and creativity. The use of wingbacks to overload wide areas and the fluid interchange between Thuram and Martinez kept Torino’s defense guessing throughout.

Chivu’s emphasis on mental sharpness and tactical discipline was evident. Inter pressed intelligently, recovered possession quickly, and transitioned with purpose. The team looked well-drilled and motivated, a stark contrast to the side that faltered at the end of last season.

In his post-match comments, Chivu praised the squad’s maturity and focus, noting that the players had embraced his philosophy from day one. He also acknowledged the challenges of a short preseason but credited the team’s mentality for their sharpness and cohesion.

Torino’s Troubles

For Torino, it was a night to forget. Manager Marco Baroni, in his first season with the club, watched helplessly as his side was outclassed in every department. The midfield trio of Casadei, Ilkhan, and Gineitis failed to contain Inter’s movement, while the backline crumbled under pressure.

Torino’s attacking trio of Simeone, Ngonge, and Vlasic saw little of the ball and were largely isolated. Their best chance came in the first half when Vlasic’s header was saved by Yann Sommer, but beyond that, Torino offered little threat.

The defensive errors, especially the misplaced passes that led to goals, highlighted a lack of composure and coordination. Baroni will need to address these issues quickly if Torino are to avoid another season of mid-table mediocrity.

Key Performers

• Marcus Thuram: Two goals, relentless movement, and a constant threat. His chemistry with Martinez is growing stronger.
• Alessandro Bastoni: A goal, an assist, and defensive solidity. Bastoni was everywhere.
• Petar Sucic: A composed debut with an assist and excellent ball progression.
• Ange-Yoan Bonny: Scored on his debut and showed great promise as a future attacking option.

Atmosphere and Off-Field Notes

Despite the emphatic win, the atmosphere at San Siro was subdued at times due to a protest by Inter’s Curva Nord ultras. Many fans remained outside the stadium in response to recent bans and legal actions against leading figures in the supporter groups. The absence of their usual chants and banners created an unusual quiet during stretches of the match.

Still, the performance on the pitch gave fans plenty to cheer about, and the emergence of young talents like Bonny and Sucic added a layer of optimism for the season ahead.

Final Thoughts

Inter’s next challenge will be maintaining this level of performance against tougher opposition. With Napoli and Juventus also starting strong, the race for the Scudetto promises to be intense. Chivu’s side has depth, youth, and momentum, but consistency will be key.

Torino, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their defensive frailties and lack of midfield control were exposed, and Baroni will need to rethink his approach before their next fixture. The return of key players and tactical adjustments could help stabilize the team.