Chivu faces key selection choice: Bonny or Esposito next to Lautaro?

Inter Milan are back to work at Appiano Gentile as Chivu prepares for Roma — and must decide who will lead the line alongside Lautaro Martinez

After the international break, all focus shifts to Roma vs Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri trained this morning at Appiano Gentile, followed by lunch and then Cristian Chivu’s pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to the capital. 

With Marcus Thuram ruled out due to injury, the main question now revolves around who will partner Lautaro Martinez at the Stadio Olimpico.

Bonny in pole position, But Esposito still an option

According to Sky Sport via Fcinter1908, Ange-Yoan Bonny remains the frontrunner. The reason is simple: he stayed at Appiano Gentile during the break, training consistently with the group and working on his match fitness. His freshness could make the difference in such a high-intensity clash.

Pio Esposito, on the other hand, returned from international duty with Italy’s U21s after scoring against Estonia and featuring briefly against Israel. His morale is high, and his goal-scoring touch could tempt Chivu into giving him a chance from the start.

Different styles, same ambition

The choice will depend on how Chivu wants his Inter Milan to attack. As reported by Matteo Barzaghi on Sky Sport, “Chivu wants a dominant Inter Milan.”

Bonny offers movement and unpredictability — a forward who drifts across the front line, freeing Lautaro to focus on finishing inside the box. 

Esposito, instead, is a more traditional striker, physically strong and ready to battle with Roma’s centre-backs. 

His presence in the penalty area could give Inter Milan a different attacking dimension, with Lautaro acting more as a link between midfield and attack.

Final decision looms

The final choice will be made after the last training session before departure. What’s certain is that Chivu wants an Inter Milan aggressive, confident, and dominant, regardless of who starts next to Lautaro. Both Bonny and Esposito are ready — and either one could be decisive under the lights of the Olimpico.