Pio Esposito’s latest international contribution has sharpened a question already growing around Inter: when Cristian Chivu selects his forward line, how should he balance the claims of the young Italian and Marcus Thuram alongside captain Lautaro Martinez?
In Bursa, against Turkey, Esposito first created a goal for Kayode before finding the net himself at the stadium known for its crocodile-shaped exterior. It was another productive away night for a forward whose international goals have often arrived beyond Italy’s borders, following strikes in Moldova, Luxembourg and Greece. His first Azzurri goal had come in Tallinn at Le Coq Arena in 2025, when he had made only one previous national-team appearance. He has now reached 11 goals, at a rate of roughly one every two matches.
The international figures sit neatly beside an increasingly persuasive start at club level. Esposito has started four of Inter’s first five league games, recording two goals and one assist. His first Serie A goal of the season came against Monza, with the second arriving against Udinese. He was held back from the starting XI against Real Madrid, while his appearance in the 2-2 draw at Roma came as a late substitute at the Olimpico.
Thuram’s return has been similarly effective. After an early-season physical issue and having not been selected by Zidane, the Frenchman has produced two goals and two assists in four appearances, despite playing only 230 minutes. He remained on the bench against Monza, but his numbers underline why this is not simply a case of a promising young player displacing an established starter.
Two partners for Lautaro
The decision is less about an outright hierarchy than about the different shapes Inter can create around Lautaro. With Esposito in the side, the Argentine tends to drop deeper to collect possession and move around his partner, using the younger forward’s ability to protect the ball and bring others into play.
There was a clear example in last season’s meeting with Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium. Esposito drew attention from defenders and used the outside of his heel to lay the ball into Lautaro’s path, allowing the Inter captain to finish into the corner. It was the kind of exchange that illustrated how the pair can work in close areas.
Thuram offers a different reference point. His runs beyond the defence encourage Lautaro to operate a little further behind him, creating and linking play while the Frenchman attacks the space ahead. Neither formula is automatically preferable; opponents, match situations and Chivu’s wider plan will determine which one is required.
Inter therefore have a substantial internal contest rather than a problem to solve. Esposito is likely to receive more opportunities after a campaign of learning in which he scored 10 goals in all competitions, seven of them in Serie A. Thuram, meanwhile, remains a forward with proven output and an established understanding of the demands at the top end of the table. Both should have ample work across a long season, and Italy coach Mancini can take encouragement from Esposito’s continuing rise.
