Inter begin Serie A title defence with narrow win at Cagliari

Hakan Calhanoglu’s first-half goal gave Inter a 1-0 victory over Cagliari as the champions began their Serie A title defence with a second successive win.

Nicolo Barella created the opening goal inside the first 10 minutes, finding Calhanoglu on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder made space for himself before steering a low shot into the bottom corner.

Inter dominated much of the opening period and had several chances to extend their advantage before the interval. Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile kept his side in the match, saving Federico Dimarco’s powerful volley and denying Pio Esposito.

The hosts improved significantly after half-time and began to test Inter’s defence. Cagliari manager Fabio Pisacane introduced fresh energy with his substitutions, while Josep Martinez had to intervene when Alieu Fadera sent a dangerous delivery towards Kevin Carlos.

Inter had opportunities to make the result more secure but were unable to take them. Dimarco was involved in creating chances for Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram, although none could find the finish required.

That allowed Cagliari to remain within reach of an equaliser in the closing stages. Adam Obert fired over after breaking into the penalty area, before Michel Ndary Adopo saw his effort blocked by Yann Bisseck in a crucial defensive intervention.

The victory means Inter have now beaten Cagliari in seven consecutive Serie A meetings. They have also opened their season with wins over Monza and Cagliari as they attempt to retain their crown.

It was not a flawless display from Cristian Chivu’s side, but it gave the Inter manager another important three points. Inter opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Monza, although Chivu had warned afterwards that his team still had areas to improve.

“We knew we were not at our best physically yet, and we are always trying to improve,” Chivu said.

“There was a bit of rustiness and urgency, and we lacked technical sharpness both individually and collectively.”

Chivu was also encouraged by the attitude of his players, especially those who returned early from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I’m pleased with how my players have trained and with the commitment shown by those who were at the World Cup and returned early,” he added.

“This is a group of good lads, and a group that has maintained a very high level over the years. I believe in them, and there is still plenty of room for improvement.”

Cagliari had started the season with a 1-0 win away at Parma, but Pisacane knew the visit of the champions would represent a considerably greater test.

“Inter has changed little. They have many players that they already had last year and they have added new strings to their bow,” Pisacane said before the match.

“Against Inter, we’ll need to show a different ferocity and intensity. The margin for error is reduced, and we need to play a different game.”

Cagliari were unable to find a way past Inter’s defence, leaving the visitors to return from Sardinia with another three points.

Inter’s next Serie A fixture is against Napoli at San Siro on Saturday.