Inter Milan Kicks Off Serie A Title Defense with 4-1 Win Over Monza
Italy international Francesco Pio Esposito showcased his skills with an impressive flick as Inter Milan commenced their Serie A title defense, defeating newly-promoted Monza with a commanding 4-1 victory on Saturday evening.
The reigning Serie A and Coppa Italia champions started their 2026-27 season with a match against Ivan Juric’s Monza at San Siro.
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The first half concluded with both teams locked at 1-1, following a stunning goal from Hakan Calhanoglu and a well-executed equalizer by Gustavo Varela just before the 30-minute mark. Inter responded effectively in the second half, netting three goals within a 20-minute span through Piotr Zielinski, Esposito, and Yann Bisseck.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Esposito’s goal stood out as he cleverly positioned himself at the edge of the six-yard box, executing a well-timed flick to finish off Andy Diouf’s low cross into the area.
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This marked Esposito’s first goal of the 2026-27 season. Last season, he concluded his campaign with seven goals in Serie A and ten across all club competitions.
Watch: Italy youngster Esposito gets off the mark in style
Pio Esposito that is OUTRAGEOUS 🔥A beautifully improvised backheel finish increases Inter’s lead vs. Monza 👏
Italy international Francesco Pio Esposito got in on the act with a superb flick as Inter began their Serie A title defence with a statement 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Monza on Saturday evening.
The reigning Serie A and Coppa Italia champions began their 2026-27 campaign with a visit from Ivan Juric and his newly-promoted Monza side in San Siro on Saturday evening.
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The teams went in for the interval level at 1-1 after a Hakan Calhanoglu screamer and a well-taken equaliser from Gustavo Varela half an hour in. The Nerazzurri struck back with three goals within 20 minutes of the start of the second half, courtesy of Piotr Zielinski, Esposito and Yann Bisseck.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Esposito’s goal was particularly pleasing to watch, positioning himself well on the corner of the six-yard box, where he was able to flick out a foot and put a well-improvised finish onto Andy Diouf’s low cross into the area.
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This was Esposito’s first goal of the 2026-27 season: He ended the 2025-26 campaign with seven to his name in Serie A and 10 across all competitions at club level.
Watch: Italy youngster Esposito gets off the mark in style
Pio Esposito that is OUTRAGEOUS 🔥A beautifully improvised backheel finish increases Inter’s lead vs. Monza 👏
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