Inter secured a 1-0 friendly win against Real Betis after John Stones scored his first goal for the Italian club in the 82nd minute.
The match appeared likely to end without a goal after both sides created several opportunities during an even first half but were unable to find a way through. Inter improved after the interval and gradually increased the pressure, although the decisive moment did not arrive until late in the game.
Federico Dimarco supplied the cross that led to the breakthrough, delivering the ball towards the far post. Benjamin Pavard won the aerial challenge and headed it back into the centre of the penalty area, where Stones finished with a first-time strike beneath the crossbar.
The goal was Stones’ first since joining Inter. The England defender became a free agent this summer after his contract with Manchester City ended, and he opened his account for his new club during the pre-season meeting with Real Betis.
Inter’s victory provides a narrow conclusion to the friendly, with the Milan side having to wait until the final stages to turn their second-half improvement into a result. Real Betis had defended successfully for most of the contest, but Pavard’s knockdown created the opening that allowed Stones to settle the match.
The fixture formed part of Inter’s preparations for the new campaign. Their Serie A season will begin on 22 August, when they host Monza in their opening league match.
That match will mark Inter’s return to competitive action after the summer, while the win against Real Betis gives Stones another opportunity to build his understanding with his new team-mates before the league campaign starts.
Although the friendly produced only one goal, it provided a significant moment for the former Manchester City defender. Stones was in the right position to complete an attacking move that began with Dimarco’s delivery and continued with Pavard’s aerial contribution.
Inter could not break the deadlock in the first half despite producing several chances, but their greater attacking threat after the break eventually paid off. Their late winner ensured the Milan club finished the contest with a positive result and gave their new defender a memorable start in front of goal.
