Inter finish pre-season with win as Stones scores on debut

Inter Milan concluded their pre-season preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Betis at the San Nicola in Bari. The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when new signing John Stones marked his debut with a goal, converting at the back post after Benjamin Pavard headed the ball across the face of the goal from a Federico Dimarco delivery.

Cristian Chivu's side dominated much of the encounter, creating several high-quality chances. Ange Bonny and Hakan Calhanoglu both went close early on, while Dimarco proved a constant threat, forcing multiple saves from the Betis goalkeepers throughout the evening.

Real Betis faced early disruption when Hector Bellerin was forced off with an injury just nine minutes into the match. Despite flashes of attacking intent from Antony and Pablo Fornals, the Spanish side struggled to break down the Inter defensive line, ultimately falling to a late set-piece goal.