Inter beat Cagliari 1-0 at Unipol Domus on August 30, 2026, with Hakan Calhanoglu’s ninth-minute strike enough to settle a contest the Nerazzurri otherwise dominated without adding to their tally.

The goal, Calhanoglu’s second in as many games, came from a well-worked move involving Calhanoglu, who swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner after Nicolò Barella cut inside from the right and rolled the ball across. It was enough to hand Cristian Chivu’s side back-to-back wins to open the Serie A campaign, following the 4-1 victory over Monza.

Hakan Calhanoglu in an Inter Milan kit celebrating with his hands to his ears
Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates during a match for Inter Milan.

Inter Dominant But Wasteful in Sardinia

Inter’s control of the game was near-total. The Nerazzurri finished with 65% possession and 31 total shots to Cagliari’s 35% and 10, yet only seven of those efforts tested Elia Caprile, who was the difference between a comfortable margin and a nervy finish.

Caprile denied Barella and Federico Dimarco in quick succession after the opener, then produced further saves against Pio Esposito before the break. Cagliari, themselves coming off a surprise 1-0 win away to Parma, were missing Yerry Mina and Riyad Idrissi but still pushed forward when the chance arose.

Cagliari’s Late Rally Falls Short

The hosts grew into the contest after the hour mark, with Kevin Carlos and Michel Adopo both threatening the Inter goal. Adopo’s ferocious effort from 10 yards was denied only by a desperate block from Yann Bisseck, moments after Josep Martínez had to sprint from his line to clear a loose ball.

Michel Adopo wearing a teal Cagliari Calcio training shirt against a cloudy sky
Michel Adopo during a training session with Cagliari Calcio.

Inter’s profligacy in front of goal, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram both unable to add a second, meant Cagliari’s pressure carried genuine weight until the final whistle. The result nonetheless keeps Inter’s perfect start intact as they continue their Scudetto defence, with three points from Sardinia despite the missed opportunities to make the scoreline more comfortable.

According to Football Italia, Yael Trepy, who nearly drowned in a swimming pool 10 days earlier, was released from hospital this week.