Union Saint-Gilloise starting XI (3-5-2): Scherpen, Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen,
Khalaili, Zorgane (subbed for Schoofs), Rasmussen (subbed for Giger), Van de Perre, Niang (subbed for Patris), David (subbed for Rodriguez), Ait el Hadj (subbed for Florucz)

Bench: Chambaere, Barry, Smith, Boufal, Sykes

Inter starting XI (3-5-2): Sommer, Bisseck, De Vrij (subbed for Akanji), Bastoni (subbed for Dimarco), Dumfries (subbed for Luis Henrique), Frattesi, Çalhanoğlu (subbed for Sucic), Zielinski, Carlos Augusto, L. Martinez (subbed for Bonny), Esposito

Bench: J. Martinez, Calligaris, Acerbi, Diouf, Mkhitaryan, Barella

Goals: Dumfries 41’, Martinez 45+1’, Çalhanoğlu 53’ (Pen), Esposito 76’

Aside from some sustained pressure applied in the first few minutes from the hosts, Simone Inzaghi’s side imposed their authority on the match early on, controlling possession and dictating tempo with an efficiency that left the Belgian hosts chasing shadows.

The Italians had 70 per cent of the ball and their intentions were clear early on, but they would have to wait over 40 minutes for the breakthrough to arrive.

Wing-back Denzel Dumfries opened the scoring with a close-range finish from a corner as the Nerazzurri continued to press forward relentlessly. Their pressure paid off just before halftime when Lautaro Martínez rifled a superb shot into the top corner to double the lead.

After the interval, Union conceded a penalty following a handball in the box, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu stepped up confidently to slot home the third and put the result beyond doubt.

The night was rounded off perfectly when young forward Francesco Esposito scored his first Champions League goal, tucking away a late fourth after an Ange Bonny cutback.

The 4-0 result keeps Inter equal-top of their group with a perfect record, three wins from three, and a commanding goal difference.

Inter return to Serie A action this weekend before turning their attention to the reverse fixture against Union Saint-Gilloise in Milan, where another victory could secure early qualification for the knockout stage.