Inter vs Real Betis

Inter head to Bari as reigning Serie A champions, fresh off their 21st Scudetto under Cristian Chivu, treating this as their last tune-up before the season opener against Monza. Real Betis arrive off a historic campaign, finishing fifth in La Liga to reach the Champions League for the first time in 21 years, using this as their final test before facing Real Sociedad. Form leans toward the Spaniards, winners of four of their last five friendlies including wins over Lyon and Arsenal, while Inter have won just once in five, drawing with Manchester City and Milan. Watch Antony, now a permanent Betis signing after a revitalizing loan under Manuel Pellegrini, plus top scorer Cucho Hernandez; for Inter, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram remain the focal points. The clubs have met only once, a 1-1 friendly draw in Seville in 2022, and have never faced off competitively. Expect a cagey, rotation-heavy test rather than a full-blooded spectacle. Our prediction: 2-1