Overview

• The U-Power Stadium fixture saw Ciurria open the scoring before a Birindelli own goal and Pio Esposito strike put Inter ahead, only for Azzi to level late and Marcus Thuram’s penalty to seal the shootout victory.
• Coach Cristian Chivu set up a 3-5-2 that morphed into advanced wing systems in possession, rotating fringe and youth players to fine-tune hybrid tactical shapes.
• Defensive vulnerabilities reemerged for the third straight friendly as Inter conceded twice from lapses in coverage and one-on-one defending.
• Inter’s pursuit of an attacker remains unresolved with Ademola Lookman leading the club’s wish list under a reported €45 million ceiling and Jadon Sancho tracked as an alternative.
• Both teams now turn to Inter’s friendly with Olympiacos on August 16 in Bari and Serie A opener versus Torino on August 25 while Monza finalises new signings and anticipates an American ownership takeover.