Italy’s international break has strengthened the cases of Pio Esposito and Alphadjo Cisse, but the return to Serie A may still begin with both young forwards waiting for their moment from the bench.
Inter host Parma in the next round, while Milan travel to Reggio Emilia to face Sassuolo. Cristian Chivu and Ruben Amorim have selection decisions to make after a week in which Esposito and Cisse both made their mark for the national sides.
Esposito returns with a growing record
Pio Esposito scored twice against Turkey, taking his tally to seven goals in 13 appearances for Italy. The forward from Rione Cicerone has also made a convincing start to life in Inter’s league campaign.
Chivu has named him in the starting XI for four of Inter’s five Serie A matches so far. His only league appearance from the bench came against Roma, while he was also among the substitutes against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Esposito has returned that faith with two goals and one assist, contributing across the matches against Monza and Udinese. Yet Parma could bring a different choice at centre-forward.
Marcus Thuram is expected to be available from the first minute after remaining at Appiano Gentile throughout the international break. The French forward, who was born and raised in Parma, has trained continuously without national-team commitments.
Chivu must also consider Bonny, the only one of Inter’s four forwards still to start a match this season. Esposito therefore has competition despite his productive spell with Italy and his encouraging early club numbers.
Cisse has delivered for club and country
Alphadjo Cisse has also come back from international duty with momentum. The Treviso-born attacker started both Italy Under-21 matches, scoring the decisive goal against Armenia before featuring in the 6-2 victory over Poland.
That win secured top place in the group and qualification for the Under-21 European Championship. Cisse’s contribution continued a strong start in Milan colours: he has two Serie A goals from four appearances, including two starts.
Amorim has left him out only once, in the 3-0 win over Lecce, but Sassuolo could present a different tactical picture. Milan may move into a 4-2-3-1, with Christian Pulisic, Moreira and Samuel Chukwueze potentially operating behind the central striker.
In that scenario, Cisse could be held back as an attacking option during the match rather than beginning it. Esposito may face a similar role at San Siro, with the weekend set to show whether the international-break goals alter their coaches’ immediate plans.
