European football: Inter start title defence with rout of promoted Monza

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Inter kicked off their ⁠Serie A title defence with a 4-1 home win against ⁠Monza, after the promoted side recovered from conceding an early ⁠goal to go in level at the break before the ⁠champions turned on the style.

Hakan Calhanoglu put Inter ahead ‌in the ‌sixth minute, but the hosts were ‌far too complacent after taking the lead and Gustavo Varela equalised for the visitors just before the half-hour. Inter began the second half as ‌they had the first, with Piotr Zielinski scoring three minutes after the break, before Pio Esposito and Yann Bisseck wrapped up the win for Cristian Chivu’s side.

The England defender ⁠John Stones came on to make his Inter debut, with compatriots and fellow recent signings Djed Spence ‌and Curtis Jones watching on at San Siro.

John Stones (right) makes his debut for Inter.

Last season’s surprise package Como needed a second-half equaliser from Greece forward Tasos Douvikas to earn a 1-1 draw at Udinese. Como will play in the Champions League for the first time next month after finishing fourth under Cesc Fàbregas.

Last season’s runners-up, Napoli, visit Genoa later on Saturday.

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.”

Oso inspired Rayo Vallecano to a 3-1 win at Athletic Bilbao who had defender Yuri Berchiche sent off after just 11 minutes. Oso took quick advantage of Rayo’s numerical advantage when he opened the scoring in the 15th minute and further goals from Chidera Ejuke and Isaac Romero, set up by Oso, sealed the win after the break.

Valencia and Celta Vigo played out a goalless draw. Real Madrid’s season opener is later on Saturday, with José Mourinho’s second spell in charge starting at Espanyol.

In France, the 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 as the Lens continued their good form from last season when they finished second in the table behind Paris Saint-Germain.

Last weekend, Dino Toppmöller won his first competitive game in charge of Lens, beating PSG in the Trophée des Champions.

Auxerre had the defender Christ Makosso sent off in the first half for a foul on Abdallah Sima.