Cristian Chivu believes Inter are "the team to beat" in Serie A after winning the league title last season.

Inter won their 21st Scudetto last term and did so with ease, finishing 11 points ahead of 2024-25 champions Napoli.

Chivu became only the fifth manager to win the Scudetto in his first season with Inter in Serie A, after Arpad Weisz in 1929-30, Alfredo Foni in 1952-53, Giovanni Invernizzi in 1970-71 (who took over the team in November) and Jose Mourinho in 2008-09.

Since the end of last season, both Napoli and AC Milan have changed their head coaches, while Como and Juventus have strengthened in the transfer market.

Inter themselves have brought in the likes of John Stones and Aleksandar Stankovic, and though Chivu is yet to work out who their closest competitors will be, he knows the Nerazzurri have a tough title defence ahead.

"I haven’t quite worked that one out yet," Chivu told Inter's media channels when asked who their biggest rivals will be this season.

"It’s the usual teams, the ones who want to make life difficult for the reigning Italian champions. We’re the team to beat. 

"We’re still missing a few pieces, and we still have a few weeks to get ourselves into the best possible shape for the opening league match.

"The most important thing so far is that we’ve had very few physical issues. At the moment, that’s the most encouraging aspect, and we’re happy about that."

Inter have two more friendlies to play in pre-season, with Chivu's side going up against Juve and Real Betis.

Their Serie A title defence starts on August 22 as they host newly promoted Monza at San Siro.