Edin Dzeko on target as champions Inter Milan impress in opening day win over Genoa

Dzeko netted on his debut for the Italian champions as they thumped Genoa

Dzeko netted on his first start for Inter (Getty Images)

Debutant striker Edin Dzeko was on target as Inter Milan got their Serie A title defence off to a flying start, thrashing Genoa 4-0 in their opening match of the season in front of fans in the San Siro on Saturday - Simone Inzaghi’s first competitive game in charge since he replaced Antonio Conte.

Hakan Calhanoglu, who crossed the divide to sign for Inter from city rivals AC Milan in the summer, took centre stage from the off, setting up Milan Skriniar for his side’s sixth-minute opener, before drilling home a second eight minutes later.

The visitors had a great chance to get back in the contest just before the interval, but Yayah Kallon dragged his effort wide from a good position.

That miss proved costly as Inter, who had two strikes ruled out for offside, the second of which was another fine finish from Calhanoglu, added a third in the 74th minute through substitute Arturo Vidal to make sure of the three points.

To complete the perfect afternoon for Inter, on his 200th Serie A appearance, veteran forward Dzeko, who joined from AS Roma this summer, headed home a late fourth.

Elsewhere in Serie A, Sassuolo held off a Verona fightback to win 3-2 on the opening weekend.

Additional reporting by Reuters