PARMA, Italy (Interstat) — Inter Milan opened its Serie A title defense with a commanding 2-0 victory over Parma on Wednesday, overcoming a stubborn defensive effort from the home side with a late flurry at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

The match, played on Jan. 7, 2026, saw the visiting Nerazzurri control proceedings for long stretches but struggle to break down a well-organized Parma until the final moments of each half. The result defied the pregame projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 1-1 draw, and validated the same outlet’s ELO rating that gave Inter Milan a 90.80 percent probability to win.

Inter Milan’s dominance in possession and territory was evident from the outset, but a breakthrough proved elusive for much of the first half. The tension increased when Inter midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu received a yellow card in the 34th minute for a tactical foul. However, just eight minutes later, the deadlock was broken.

In the 42nd minute, defender Federico Dimarco provided the crucial moment of quality, firing a precise finish past the Parma goalkeeper to give the champions a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The goal settled Inter’s nerves and underscored their control of the match, even as the scoreline remained narrow.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Inter Milan probing and Parma defending resolutely in an attempt to find an equalizer. The hosts offered little sustained threat going forward, as Inter’s defensive unit comfortably handled any forays into their final third. The game’s physicality increased as it wore on, with Inter’ Carlos Augusto entering the referee’s book in the first minute of stoppage time.

Just as it seemed Inter would have to settle for a narrow one-goal win, they sealed the three points in dramatic fashion deep into added time. In the 90+8 minute, forward Marcus Thuram, who had been a persistent threat throughout, found the net to double Inter’s advantage. His celebration was quickly tempered, however, as he received a yellow card during the ensuing festivities.

The final whistle sounded shortly after, confirming a 2-0 win for Inter Milan. The victory gives Inter a perfect start to the new Serie A campaign, improving their record within the competition to one win and no losses. Across all competitions this season, they also stand at one win and no losses. For a Parma side returning to the top flight, the defeat was a harsh lesson, leaving them with a record of no wins and one loss in both Serie A and overall for the season.

The performance reinforced Inter Milan’s status as a powerhouse, capable of grinding out results even when faced with a packed defense, while Parma demonstrated organizational solidity that may serve them well in future matches, despite the lack of points earned from this opener.