With speculation teetering between Ange-Yoan Bonny and Francesco Pio Esposito for Inter Milan’s trip to Genoa, the latest reports suggest the young Italian will be given the nod.

Inter will be without Hakan Calhanoglu, forcing Chivu into a clear Plan B in midfield.

After testing Nicolò Barella in a deeper role, the coach has instead opted for Piotr Zielinski.

The Pole is judged to be the most natural replacement in the regista position.

His inclusion also allows Barella to conserve energy higher up the pitch, therefore avoiding excessive defensive sacrifice.

Zielinski will step in for the former Milan midfielder, who is sidelined alongside Francesco Acerbi.

This follows their recent withdrawals in the Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Acerbi, who raised the white flag minutes after Calhanoglu on Tuesday night, is expected to remain out for the time being.

Genoa Vs Inter – Pio Esposito Gets Nod In Attack

Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In defence, La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, reports that Akanji is ready to feature centrally.

Indeed, with Bisseck on his right-hand side, as Inter rotate against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa.

Chivu is still weighing up whether to retain Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the left of midfield and Luis Henrique on the right flank.

However, the biggest call concerns Lautaro Martinez’s strike partner.

This time, ThuLa may be broken up.

In the final training sessions, “it was Pio Esposito alongside the captain, not Bonny.”

Therefore suggesting the young Italian is now leading the race to start.