Prodigious Italy Striker Starts Ajax Vs Inter Milan Champions League Opener As Argentina Megastar Benched | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito will reportedly make his Champions League debut when Inter Milan take on Ajax later tonight.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, he is the chosen candidate to replace Lautaro Martinez in attack.

Despite his overwhelming desire to play, El Toro must rest after picking up a back injury against Juventus.

Indeed, Cristian Chivu had to take him off in Turin due to back pain, which also forced him off yesterday’s training.

Pio Esposito Takes Lautaro Martinez Place in Ajax vs Inter Milan Clash

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

With Lautaro Martinez set to start on the bench, Chivu has a decision to make.

Ange-Yoan Bonny replaced the Argentine at the Allianz Stadium but couldn’t do anything noteworthy.

However, he was still the favorite to fill the void in attack today.

Yet, Chivu seems to have had a change of heart, with Pio Esposito set to partner up with Marcus Thuram.

The teenage striker has yet to start a game in Serie A this season.

Furthermore, he only made a brief cameo appearance against Udinese.