Inter Milan launch Serie A title defence in style with 4-1 win over Monza

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Inter Milan made a commanding start to their Serie A title defence on Saturday, brushing aside newly promoted Monza 4-1 at San Siro after recovering from a first-half setback to produce a dominant second-half display.

The champions wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead just six minutes into the contest. Andy Diouf laid the ball into the path of Hakan Calhanoglu, who unleashed a spectacular first-time strike from distance that flew into the roof of the net.

However, Monza refused to be intimidated by the early setback and produced an impressive response. Just before the half-hour mark, Gustavo Varela brought the visitors level with a composed finish on his Serie A debut.

Mathis Mout found Varela on the edge of the penalty area, with the young forward receiving the ball with his back to goal before turning Manuel Akanji and firing a low shot into the far corner beyond the goalkeeper.

The goal underlined Varela's rapid start to life at Monza. The 21-year-old, who joined the club from Benfica in July, had already scored twice on his debut in a 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Avellino the previous week.

Inter, though, emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and restored their lead only three minutes into the second half.

Federico Dimarco's cross was punched away by Monza goalkeeper Semuel Pizzignacco, but the clearance fell straight to Piotr Zielinski. The Polish midfielder struck the ball into the ground, sending it over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net to make it 2-1.

The hosts then seized complete control of the match.

Eight minutes later, Diouf recorded his second assist of the afternoon when his clever delivery found Pio Esposito, who produced a brilliant back-heeled flick that deceived Pizzignacco and extended Inter's advantage.

Inter continued to press forward relentlessly, and their pressure was rewarded again when Yann Bisseck's effort took a deflection on its way into the net to put the result beyond doubt.

Akanji came close to adding a fifth when his header crashed against the crossbar as Inter threatened to turn their victory into a rout.
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