While newly announced signing Djed Spence was not included in the squad, Inter welcomed Lautaro Martinez back to the bench for the first time since he led Argentina to the World Cup Final. Real Betis faced an early setback when Hector Bellerin was forced off with an injury, though they still created the first major opportunity of the match when Antony sent a powerful shot just inches wide of the far post.
Inter showed promising signs as Andy Diouf caught the eye with an impressive performance on the right flank, and Hakan Calhanoglu came close with a long-range effort that skimmed the frame of the goal. However, the Nerazzurri also experienced some pre-season rustiness, notably when Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny twice got in each other's way while challenging for the same ball.
Betis goalkeeper Manu Gonzalez kept the scores level by parrying a strike from Bonny, but the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. The game turned when Stones was introduced for his Inter debut, coinciding with Martinez making his first appearance of the pre-season.
It took just 12 minutes for the debutant to make his mark. Federico Dimarco delivered a free kick that was knocked down by Benjamin Pavard, allowing Stones to fire home a half-volley from nine yards out. The strike proved to be the match-winner, sealing a perfect start to life in Italy for the former Manchester City defender.
The new Inter man scores the go-ahead goal and, as things stand, the match-winner! 🔥#DAZNPreseasonFriendlies pic.twitter.com/nwvJpZZLMy
