Inter vs AC Monza

Inter open their Serie A title defence at San Siro against newly-promoted Monza, a fitting curtain-raiser after last season's 11-point Scudetto win under first-year coach Cristian Chivu, with Monza's own top-flight return, secured via the play-offs, starting about as tough as it gets. Inter head into the game full of confidence after an unbeaten pre-season that included a penalty shootout win over Manchester City and a victory over Juventus. Captain Lautaro Martinez, last term's top scorer with 17 league goals, is expected to start despite returning late from World Cup duty, while new signings John Stones and Andy Diouf bolster the squad. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is suspended. Monza, now managed by Ivan Jurić, will be without injured captain Matteo Pessina for months, plus suspended pair Dany Mota and Demba Thiam, leaving striker Patrick Cutrone to lead the line. History favours the hosts too — Monza have won just once in six visits to San Siro. Our prediction: 3-1