Striker Marcus Thuram looked some way from his best in his return to the Inter Milan starting eleven against Bologna.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Thuram was certainly one of the big names on the teamsheet for Inter yesterday evening.
The 26-year-old had been absent from the starting eleven in the Nerazzurri’s three previous matches. This was due to a thigh injury that he’s picked up against Atletico Madrid last month.
But Thuram had returned against Genoa on Monday, coming off the bench.
The Frenchman had showed a few real flashes of his quality in that match. The speed and dribbling ability gave the Nerazzurri a reminder of what they had missed when he was out.
So there was some anticipation about having Thuram back in the team against Bologna.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach and Guingamp striker is certainly one of the first players who the Nerazzurri tend to turn to in order to unlock matches in attack.
Moreover, Thuram’s availability meant that Lautaro Martinez could get a much-needed rest.
Damp Squib From Marcus Thuram For Inter Vs Bologna
However, Thuram did not really give a demonstration of what he’s truly capable of at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
The Frenchman did look lively in terms of his closing down and workrate.
But there were no real moments of magic from Thuram.
Having already scored ten Serie A goals this season, the 26-year-old would certainly have seemed to be the player who Inter would turn to to find the back of the net in Martinez’s absence.
But there were no telling chances for Thuram.
Instead it was an unlikely scorer for the Nerazzurri – defender Yann Bisseck.
But Thuram looked to be playing within himself yet. He failed to really test the Bologna centre-backs Jhon Lucumi and Sam Beukema.
Inter will be hoping that this was just a dress rehearsal for Wednesday’s massive match against Atletico Madrid from Thuram.
