Inter Milan head to Lecce tonight looking to bounce back from their Champions League defeat in Bodo, and Cristian Chivu will lean heavily on his emerging stars like Francesco Pio Esposito to get the job done without several key men, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The absences of Barella, Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez, described by Gazzetta as the team’s “light and dressing room glue,” represent a significant blow.
However, Chivu has identified Francesco Pio Esposito as the man to lead the charge, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
The young Italian has been in fine form, netting against both Juventus and Bodo/Glimt.
Furthermore, Chivu was sufficiently impressed with his training display yesterday to hand him another start alongside Marcus Thuram.
Lecce Vs Inter – Chivu Turns To Pio Esposito In Lautaro Absence
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The plan is to bring Bonny off the bench later in the game.
Indeed, to preserve energy ahead of the Champions League second leg.
Esposito’s youthful freshness appears to be a genuine asset at this stage of a congested schedule.
A third goal in three games would put Inter within touching distance of going ten points clear of Milan.
With Lautaro Martinez set to miss around a month, Chivu will hope Pio Esposito can help steer the team forward.
Dimarco, rested strategically in Norway, is also expected to start.
The Italian will be crucial in an Inter side that has historically been reliable against lower-half opposition.
Zielinski, having shaken off a minor knock, returns to his role as the midfield pivot.
According to Gazzetta, the Champions League must be temporarily set aside tonight.
Indeed, on recent evidence, Inter are more than capable of doing exactly that.