Cristian Chivu looks set to hand Ange-Yoan Bonny a starting role alongside Lautaro Martinez for Inter Milan’s trip to Roma, with Marcus Thuram ruled out through injury.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Parma forward has moved ahead of Francesco Pio Esposito in the pecking order.

The Frenchman stayed at Appiano Gentile throughout the international break and impressed with his sharpness and attitude.

“Chivu has found in Milan the same humble, hard-working Bonny he saw at Parma,” writes Gazzetta.

Furthermore, they note that the Frenchman is the “natural candidate” to fill Thuram’s role.

Chivu Favours Bonny Alongside Lautaro for Roma Vs Inter

Ange-Yoan Bonny Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Inter coach views Bonny as a more stylistically compatible partner for Lautaro, just as Esposito has tended to alternate with the captain in other combinations.

Bonny’s mobility and instinct to drop deeper mirror Thuram’s qualities.

Meanwhile, Esposito’s more traditional striker profile makes him a better fit for other tactical setups.

For Chivu, the choice is not only about fitness but about chemistry and rhythm and Bonny appears to have the edge in both.