Overview
- Inter beat Real Betis 1-0 in their final preseason friendly on Saturday when new signing John Stones came off the bench to score on his debut.
- The club confirmed Stones has signed and also announced Djed Spence as a summer arrival, moves that address defensive needs but do not close all squad gaps.
- Coach Cristian Chivu has returned to a 3-5-2 base and is experimenting with Aleksandar Stankovic as a deep-lying playmaker and Andy Diouf as an attacking wing-back.
- Several players showed fitness or form concerns in Bari, with Marcus Thuram still short of full sharpness after a late World Cup return and Francesco Pio Esposito described as heavy-legged.
- Inter enter the final week before the Serie A opener as reigning domestic double winners with Champions League ambitions, but unresolved departures and lower-than-expected sales leave questions about readiness.