Hakan Calhanoglu strike seals Inter Milan's Serie A victory over Cagliari

The champions controlled much of the opening period and took the lead inside 10 minutes. Nicolo Barella found Calhanoglu on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder calmly opened up his body before guiding a low finish into the bottom corner.

Inter created several more opportunities before half-time, but Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile kept his side in the contest.

Caprile produced an excellent save to tip Federico Dimarco's powerful volley over the crossbar, while Pio Esposito was also denied as Inter looked for a second goal.

Cagliari improved considerably after the interval and began to cause Inter problems. Manager Fabio Pisacane's substitutions added energy to the hosts, with Josep Martinez forced into action to prevent Alieu Fadera's dangerous delivery from reaching Kevin Carlos.

Inter had chances to settle the match but could not take them. Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni and Marcus Thuram all missed opportunities created by Dimarco.

That allowed Cagliari to believe they could snatch a point late on.

Adam Obert fired over after breaking into the area, while Michel Ndary Adopo saw an effort somehow blocked by Yann Bisseck as Inter defended their narrow advantage.

The result means Inter have now won seven consecutive Serie A meetings with Cagliari and have started their title defence with victories over both Monza and Cagliari.

It was not a perfect performance, but it was another important result for Cristian Chivu as Inter look to retain their crown.

Chivu had already warned that his team still had work to do following their 4-1 opening-day victory over Monza.

"We knew we were not at our best physically yet, and we are always trying to improve," Chivu said.

"There was a bit of rustiness and urgency, and we lacked technical sharpness both individually and collectively."

The Inter boss was pleased with the attitude of his squad, particularly those who returned early from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"I'm pleased with how my players have trained and with the commitment shown by those who were at the World Cup and returned early," he added.

"This is a group of good lads, and a group that has maintained a very high level over the years. I believe in them, and there is still plenty of room for improvement."

Cagliari had started their campaign with a 1-0 win at Parma, but Pisacane knew his team faced a much tougher challenge against the champions.

"Inter has changed little. They have many players that they already had last year and they have added new strings to their bow," Pisacane said before the match.

"Against Inter, we'll need to show a different ferocity and intensity. The margin for error is reduced, and we need to play a different game."

Cagliari ultimately could not find a way through, while Inter left Sardinia with another three points.

Inter's next Serie A match is against Napoli at San Siro on Saturday. 

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho challenges Real Madrid stars to 'fight for squad places'