Inter set to start Pio Esposito alongside Thuram against Como
Inter Milan are expected to field striker Pio Esposito from the start in their Serie A match against Como this weekend, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 22-year-old is projected to partner Marcus Thuram in attack for Simone Inzaghi's side in a significant show of faith from the Nerazzurri manager.
The anticipated lineup, reported in the Italian publication's match preview, would see Esposito earn a rare starting berth in the league. His selection comes as Inter, who recently faced Roma, look to maintain their momentum near the top of the table. The only other potential changes involve managing players returning from minor fitness issues, with the core of the team expected to remain intact from their previous outing.
For Como, managed by former midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the approach is set to mirror Inter's tactical shape. Fabregas is reportedly considering a switch to a three-man defence to match the visitors' system, with full-backs Bright Arrey-Mbi and Valentin Vojvoda dropping deeper. The attacking trio is likely to feature Nico Paz in a false nine role, supported by Ibrahima Diao and Georgiy Baturina on the flanks.
Pio Esposito, the younger brother of Napoli's Giovanni Esposito and Salernitana's Salvatore Esposito, joined Inter in the summer of 2024 from Spezia. He spent the following season on loan at the relegated club, gaining valuable Serie A experience. His integration into the first-team setup this campaign has been gradual, with his minutes primarily coming as a substitute behind established stars Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
A product of Inter's youth academy before his move to Spezia, Esposito's potential start represents an opportunity to stake a claim for a more prominent role, especially with the fixture schedule set to intensify. For Inter, the move could provide crucial rotation for their frontline while assessing the long-term prospects of a highly-regarded Italian youth international. The match at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia offers a key test for both a resurgent Como side and an Inter team fine-tuning their options for the season's final stretch.
