AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Turn To Unused Partnership In Absence Of First-Choice Forwards | OneFootball

Inter Milan could be forced into an unprecedented attacking combination for Sunday’s Milan derby, with Marcus Thuram’s illness opening the door for Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead the line together for the very first time.

According to Sky Sport, via FCInterNews, the current projected starting partnership up front is Bonny alongside Esposito.

Indeed, a pairing that has never started a match together this season.

The two young forwards have shared only brief spells on the pitch at the same time across the campaign.

Therefore making this a genuine unknown quantity at the worst possible time.

Milan Vs Inter – Chivu Turns To Untested Bonny & Esposito Partnership In Thuram Absence

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale looks o during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Thuram missed Saturday’s training session at Appiano Gentile after developing a fever.

It left Cristian Chivu waiting to see whether the Frenchman recovers in time.

With Lautaro Martinez already sidelined, Inter’s attacking options are severely limited.

Chivu confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the club are hoping Thuram will be available, but made no guarantees.

Should the illness persist, Inter will ask two of their youngest and most inexperienced forwards to carry the attacking burden in front of over 75,000 supporters in a potential title-defining derby.

Both Esposito and Bonny have shown promise this season.

However, doing it together, from the first minute, against AC Milan, is a significant step into the unknown.