Inter Milan Head Coach To Lean On Italy Starlet As Turkey & Netherlands Stars Recover From Injury | OneFootball

Inter Milan & Cristian Chivu will lean heavily on young forward Francesco Pio Esposito as injuries and suspensions leave key players sidelined as Calhanoglu & Dumfries approach a return.

Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, and Denzel Dumfries are all unavailable for the trip to Lecce, thrusting the young Italian into a pivotal role, as noted by FCInter1908.

Esposito has already shown his quality, scoring in back-to-back games, and the club is confident he can handle the responsibility.

“He can protect the ball, use his physicality, and his technique ensures he rarely loses possession,” coach Cristian Chivu said, praising the youngster’s composure under pressure.

Esposito’s energy and ability to involve teammates make him crucial in both attack and build-up play.

Inter Starlet Pio Esposito To Play Pivotal Part In Lautaro Absence As Calhanoglu & Dumfries Return Soon

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Denzel Dumfries of Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With Inter facing a tight schedule, his maturity and consistency could prove decisive as the Nerazzurri aim to maintain their Serie A lead and prepare for the Champions League rematch against Bodo/Glimt.

Lautaro Martinez could be out for up to a month and it is likely that much of the expectation will fall on Pio Esposito to fill his boots.

The Italian has impressed this season so far but with the pressure on, and a key run-in, his performance will matter now more than ever.