Inter eye Napoli: Bonny, Esposito start, ThuLa rests for Conte clash | OneFootball

Inter are preparing for their European away match against Union Saint-Gilloise without Marcus Thuram. The French forward, sidelined since late September after the injury picked up against Slavia Prague, will continue his recovery with the goal of returning to the pitch at the “Maradona” against Napoli.

Inter, targeted management toward Napoli: Bonny and Esposito lead the attack in Belgium. Thuram and Lautaro set to rest, the clash with Conte weighs on European choices

A prudence-driven decision: he won’t be risked in Belgium, despite the importance of the European fixture.

However, Cristian Chivu remains confident. The Nerazzurri coach knows he can count on a team capable of being dangerous even without Thuram. Up front there’s room for Ange Bonny, the match winner at the Olimpico and natural replacement for the Frenchman, and for Pio Esposito, an emerging talent from Inter’s youth ranks.

“We have valid alternatives and strong motivation,” Chivu is said to have confided in the dressing room, “the important thing is to maintain intensity and focus in every competition.”

Targeted energy management: Lautaro could rest as well

The coach is considering broader rotation, given Inter’s packed schedule. After the game in Belgium and the home match against Kairat, there will be extremely demanding clashes against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund.

In this context, the coach seems inclined to prioritize full fitness for the league, where the title race is more open than ever. It’s not out of the question that Lautaro Martínez could also benefit from a rest, after the cold he had in the match against Roma.

“Managing minutes will be crucial,” a member of the coaching staff is reported to have explained, “we can’t afford dips in performance at key moments of the season.”

Chivu’s art of misdirection: more solutions, fewer certainties

The anti-Union lineup thus remains a small enigma. Chivu, a master at masking his choices, will assess individual conditions up to the last moment. There is no lack of alternatives, and the squad, deep and versatile, offers various combinations in midfield and defense as well.

Chivu’s Inter confirms itself as a flexible team, capable of adapting to the tactical and physical demands of the moment. The Romanian coach is demonstrating an ability to manage resources and energy, focusing on the development of young players and the depth of the group.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.