Inter began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, easing to three points as last season’s runners-up chase another deep run in Europe.
Ajax manager John Heitinga raised eyebrows by again leaving several high-profile summer signings on the bench, handing starts to academy product Youri Regeer and forwards Oliver Edvardsen and Wout Weghorst.
Inter, meanwhile, rested captain Lautaro Martínez due to fitness concerns, with 20-year-old Pio Esposito deputising alongside Marcus Thuram.
A quiet opening period burst into life when referee Michael Oliver initially awarded Inter a penalty for a shirt pull, only to overturn the decision on review after deeming Thuram the guilty party.
Minutes later Ajax wasted a golden chance, Mika Godts racing clear but failing to trouble Yann Sommer. Inter punished that lapse ruthlessly, Thuram rising unmarked to head home Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s corner.
Two minutes into the second half, the same combination struck again, Thuram doubling the lead with another powerful header from a Çalhanoğlu delivery.
From there, Inter managed proceedings with ease as Ajax struggled to create. The Dutch side failed to test Sommer until the 69th minute and looked largely toothless in attack.
Kasper Dolberg, returning to Ajax colours for the first time since 2019, squandered their best late opening, heading over from close range under pressure.
Inter’s measured display ensured a comfortable start to their campaign, as Simone Inzaghi’s men continue their bid for a fourth Champions League final appearance in five years.
Ajax, back in the competition for the first time since 2022, must regroup quickly ahead of their trip to Marseille.
