Inter striker Edin Dzeko is heading into the upcoming season with the expectation that he will have a role as a backup to Romelu Lukaku rather than a regular starter in attack.

This according to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, who report that the 36-year-old is prepared for having a reduced role in the team and especially the starting eleven but still getting ready to make the most of his contribution.

Dzeko started regularly last season, with the Bosnian having been signed as a kind of replacement for Lukaku following the Belgian’s sale.

The former Wolfsburg, Manchester City, and Roma striker made up one half of the Nerazzurri’s usual attacking partnership along with Lautaro Martinez, and was the club’s second-highest scorer for the season behind the Argentine.

Now with Lukaku back, the expectation is that the 29-year-old will take his place alongside Martinez again to form the first-choice attacking duo.

However, Dzeko is not deterred in wanting to make a significant contribution, and is prepared to give his best off the bench and in matches where Lukaku is injured, suspended, or needs a rest.

The Bosnian is working to ensure that there is always continuity and quality in attack even when Lukaku isn’t on the pitch, which will be inevitable with the team playing so many matches across a gruelling season.