Pio Esposito set for starting role as Lautaro injury hits Inter again
Inter Milan are set to hand a starting berth to young striker Pio Esposito for their Serie A match against Como this weekend, following a fresh injury setback for captain Lautaro Martinez. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 19-year-old Esposito is poised to lead the line alongside Marcus Thuram after Martinez suffered a recurrence of a thigh problem shortly after returning to training.
The situation underscores Inter's ongoing striker dilemma beyond their first-choice pairing. Esposito, who joined Inter from Spezia last summer, has made a handful of substitute appearances this season but is now in line for a rare start. His opportunity comes as Lautaro Martinez, the club's top scorer, faces another spell on the sidelines, dealing a blow to Inter's attacking plans for the final stretch of the campaign.
In further team news, the report indicates that defender Francesco Acerbi is ready to return to the starting lineup after recovering from his own injury issues. The Italian centre-back is expected to slot into the back three, filling the void left by the absent Yann Bisseck. This would see Stefan de Vrij likely shift to the right side of the defence, with Alessandro Bastoni occupying the left flank.
The potential reshuffle comes during a period of planning for next season, with interim coach Cristian Chivu reportedly having clear ideas for the summer transfer market. Esposito's extended audition could be significant for his future at the club, as Inter assess whether to integrate him more fully into the first-team setup or seek further attacking reinforcements. The match against Como presents a crucial chance for the young Italian to prove his readiness for a more prominent role.
Esposito, the younger brother of Genoa's Salvatore Esposito, is highly regarded within the club's youth system. His development has been monitored closely, and this enforced start provides a tangible test of his capabilities at the senior level. For Inter, navigating these injury absences while maintaining their title charge will be a key challenge, with squad depth coming under immediate scrutiny.
The fixture against Como is also notable for the return of key defensive organiser Acerbi, whose experience and composure will be vital in marshalling a back line that has been consistently strong this season. His reintegration offers stability as the team manages a congested treatment room. How Esposito seizes his unexpected opportunity could have implications not just for this match, but for Inter's strategic thinking ahead of the summer window.
