Antonio Conte could surprisingly start Matteo Politano and Sebastiano Esposito up front together when Inter play Lecce at San Siro, according to Corriere dello Sport’s online edition.

Romelu Lukaku does not have more than 60 minutes in his legs while Lautaro Martinez is also behind schedule, after both arrived late for preseason.

Both forwards remain in contention to begin the match on 26 August, when Inter will inaugurate their new Serie A campaign, but Conte will certainly not start the pair together.

Politano missed most of Inter’s preseason fixtures with a thigh injury but Esposito featured in every match amid an unexpected striker shortage.

Conte wanted to sign Lukaku before preparation began but the Belgian only completed a move from Manchester United last week.

Lautaro did not turn up at Appiano Gentile until 1 August after helping Argentina to the Copa America semi-finals in Brazil.

Politano was linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri a few weeks back, following reports suggesting he was not suited to Conte’s 3-5-2 system.

The Italian international joined on a permanent basis from Sassuolo in June, after Inter exercised an option to buy for €20 million.