Former Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes Inter Milan will bounce back from a rough start to the new Serie A season.

Speaking to Calcio Franco via FCInterNews, Toni hailed the Nerazzurri as champions material.

Inter Milan finished runners-up to Napoli last season, losing a nerve-shredding Scudetto race on the final day.

However, things changed in the summer as Simone Inzaghi severed ties with the club to join Al-Hilal.

Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri turned to Cristian Chivu to fill the vacancy despite the 44-year-old’s lack of experience in senior management.

Chivu’s appointment had all the makings of a gamble from the start.

Despite his illustrious playing career, the former defender got his first taste of top-flight management only last season.

Yet, that didn’t stop Inter from handing him the reins, only for Chivu to falter in the early season.

Indeed, the 20-time Italian champions delivered a mixed bag of performance in the first four Serie A rounds.

An underwhelming record of two wins and two defeats has seen them fall six points behind pacesetters Napoli.

Luca Toni Waxes Lyrical About Inter Milan

Parma Cristian Chivu
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Toni also offered his expectations for Saturday’s Serie A showdown between Cagliari and Inter.

“Inter has already slipped up in the league, but it’s a team full of champions,” he stated.

“In my opinion, the Nerazzurri will really push Cagliari on Saturday.”

With Napoli already six points clear, there’s no room for error.

Luckily, Chivu’s charges boast a formidable record at the Unipol Domus.

Indeed, they’ve strung together five consecutive away league wins over Cagliari, including a 3-0 victory last season.

Therefore, Inter fans have plenty of reason for optimism despite the team’s recent woeful performances on the road.

Only three wins from their last ten away league games paint a bleak picture.

However, the Nerazzurri head into proceedings in high spirits after beating Ajax and Sassuolo in quick succession.

Furthermore, Chivu has welcomed star striker Lautaro Martinez back from injury.

After starting the last two matches on the bench, El Toro will return to the starting line-up this weekend.