Inter rout promoted Monza 4-1 to begin Serie A title defence at San Siro

Inter began their Serie A title defence with a 4-1 home victory over promoted Monza at San Siro on Saturday, with second-half goals helping the champions pull clear after a first-half equaliser.

Hakan Calhanoglu put Inter ahead in the sixth minute before Gustavo Varela levelled for Monza just before the half-hour; Piotr Zielinski restored the lead three minutes after the break and Pio Esposito and Yann Bisseck completed the scoring for Cristian Chivu’s side.

John Stones made his Inter debut when he came on during the game, while compatriots and recent signings Djed Spence and Curtis Jones watched on at San Siro.

In other early Serie A action, Udinese drew 1-1 at home to Como.

The Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his new signing Rodri would not be involved in the Spanish champions’ La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday. The former Manchester City midfielder may be able to take part in their second match, against Athletic Bilbao, on Thursday. “He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick said. “This is the plan. He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.”

In France, Lens captain Florian Thauvin scored two penalties as his side thumped Auxerre 5-2 in their first game of the Ligue 1 season; Thauvin converted from the spot either side of the break. Lens continued the form that saw them finish second behind Paris Saint-Germain last season; last weekend Dino Toppmöller won his first competitive game in charge of Lens, beating PSG in the Trophée des Champions. Auxerre had defender Christ Makosso sent off in the first half for a foul on Abdallah Sima.

Last season’s runners-up, Napoli, visit Genoa later on Saturday, and Real Madrid’s season opener is also scheduled for later on Saturday, with José Mourinho’s second spell in charge starting at Espanyol.