Inter Milan Flexible Forward Formula Paying Off As Cristian Chivu Finds Balance Without Fixed Strike Pairing | OneFootball

Inter Milan have found their rhythm in attack this season under Cristian Chivu, proving that fewer strikers can still mean greater efficiency.

Despite working with just four forwards, Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Francesco Pio Esposito, the coach has built a system where “everyone can play with everyone,” as he put it himself.

The principle pairing remains the classic Thu-La, but both Bonny and Esposito have emerged as luxury alternatives.

Indeed, it is the kind of reliable depth that Simone Inzaghi lacked last season.

Inzaghi struggled with inconsistent options like Arnautovic, Taremi, and Correa.

Chivu Finds Luck In Inter Rotation Of Lautaro & Thuram

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Inter’s attack remains prolific regardless of who starts.

The only exception so far is the Thuram–Bonny duo, which has played together for just 29 minutes, too small a sample to judge.

By contrast, Lautaro and Bonny have combined for 14 goals, averaging one every 26 minutes, while Lautaro and Thuram find the net every 33 minutes.

Defensively, interestingly enough, Inter concede fewer goals without Lautaro, though those combinations have been used sparingly.

The most balanced partnership statistically appears to be Lautaro–Esposito, with just one goal conceded in 296 minutes.