Milan, Italy – August 25, 2025. The air at San Siro crackled with anticipation, not just for the start of another Serie A season, but for a new chapter under Romanian coach Cristian Chivu. What followed was not merely a football match, but a resounding declaration of intent, as Inter Milan demolished Torino 5-0, sending a crystal-clear message to their title rivals, Napoli and Juventus, that the Nerazzurri are back and mean business.
Chivu`s debut on the Inter bench could hardly have been scripted better. In a performance that gleamed with efficiency and tactical prowess, Inter not only secured a dominant victory but also shattered a 22-year-old club record: no foreign coach had won their Serie A debut for the club since Héctor Cúper in 2003. When asked about the potential pressure of such a statistic, Chivu, with a characteristic half-smile and a dash of superstition, deflected the notion. Clearly, his approach worked.
The Five-Goal Barrage: A Symphony of Old and New Talent
Inter`s 2025-26 iteration, much like a finely tuned diesel engine, took a mere fifteen minutes to warm up. After a brief period of probing and weathering a couple of early sorties from Torino`s Ngonge, the Nerazzurri unleashed a torrent of goals that showcased both their seasoned stalwarts and exciting new additions.
- 18th Minute: Alessandro Bastoni`s Opener. The first goal arrived from a Barella corner, with Bastoni expertly flicking it home. A defender scoring to break the deadlock? A classic Inter move, demonstrating their threat from all areas.
- 35th Minute: Thuram`s Clinical Finish. A moment of brilliance from new signing Sucic, who, after deftly controlling the ball in midfield, threaded a perfect pass for Marcus Thuram. The number 9 made no mistake, firing a precise low shot past the Torino keeper.
- 52nd Minute: Lautaro Martínez, the Poacher. The captain, Lautaro, capitalized on a defensive error – a misplaced back pass from Gineitis – to slide in and score his first goal of the season. His predatory instincts remain as sharp as ever, a sight that had the San Siro faithful on their feet, not just for the goal but also for his tenacious midfield recoveries.
- 62nd Minute: Thuram`s Brace. Bastoni, not content with just a goal, turned provider, delivering a superb cross to the far post where Thuram rose highest to head in his second of the night. A partnership already blossoming.
- 72nd Minute: Ange-Yoan Bonny`s Dream Debut. The final goal was perhaps the most symbolic. Substitute Ange-Yoan Bonny, the young French forward, entered the fray and promptly made his mark, converting an assist from Lautaro. This was a clear message-in-a-bottle, hinting at the depth and youthful exuberance Chivu plans to utilize. Having coached Bonny at Parma, Chivu`s grin was almost visible from the stands.
Chivu`s “Fluidity”: A New Tactical Blueprint
The tactical mastermind behind this emphatic victory was Cristian Chivu, whose guiding principle of “fluidity” was evident throughout the match. Inter lined up in their familiar 3-5-2 formation, but what diverged from previous iterations were the dynamic movements and positional interchanges. The three central midfielders, notably, refused to be pinned down, constantly swapping positions and creating headaches for Torino`s defense. Barella, initially operating as a deep-lying playmaker, would drop between the center-backs to collect the ball before seamlessly transitioning to the right flank, mirroring Sucic`s role.
Speaking of new talent, Sucic, the Croatian midfielder, has already endeared himself to the San Siro crowd, quickly becoming the “Meazza`s preferred number 8.” His ability to create play, take shots from distance, and deliver a crucial assist on his debut earned him top marks. He is, as they say, a player to be seen and seen again, and he passed his initial examination with flying colors. Veteran performers like goalkeeper Sommer, who made several decisive saves, and defenders Bastoni and Acerbi, along with wingbacks Dimarco and Dumfries, all delivered solid performances, confirming their continued importance to the squad.
The “ThuLa” Resurgence: Thuram on Fire
A special mention must go to the revitalized “ThuLa” partnership of Thuram and Lautaro. After a somewhat “shadowy and disappointing” 2025 campaign, Marcus Thuram seemed to embrace the role of an Atlas, carrying Inter`s attacking burden on his shoulders with renewed vigor. His two goals were a testament to his determination and, perhaps, the presence of some special eyes in the stands: his father, Lilian, and brother, Khéphren (who ironically celebrated a win with Juventus the previous day), were there to witness his resurgence. With an Allianz Stadium showdown between the two brothers looming on matchday three, this performance was an early, potent message to the entire league.
A Statement of Intent
This 5-0 thrashing of Torino was more than just three points; it was a powerful statement. It showcased Inter`s ability to seamlessly blend the experience of two Champions League finals in three years with the fresh energy of talents like Bonny and Sucic. Under Cristian Chivu, Inter appears to have found a coach capable of injecting both dynamism and tactical nuance into their well-established framework. The season is long, and challenges will undoubtedly arise, but for now, Inter Milan has declared its intentions loud and clear. The Nerazzurri are here to compete, and they`ve just given everyone a spectacular preview of what`s to come.
