Serie A giants Inter Milan have got rid of their long-term dependency on star strikers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the backup forwards have stepped up to the plate this season.

Marko Arnautovic, Mehdi Taremi, and Joaquin Correa let down Simone Inzaghi last term.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny have flourished this season, making Cristian Chivu proud of his summer choices.

Inter Milan Break Free From Thuram & Lautaro Dependency

Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu’s decision to keep hold of Francesco Pio Esposito despite receiving a huge €50 million offer could prove season-defining.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has thrived at San Siro following a remarkable season-long loan at Spezia.

Furthermore, he has established himself as one of the most sought-after young strikers in European football.

On the other hand, Bonny has immediately settled at Giuseppe Meazza upon his arrival from Parma.

Having worked with Chivu at Stadio Ennio Tardini, the Frenchman has had no problems adapting to life in Milan.

Moreover, Esposito and Bonny have tallied a combined 11 goals and 12 assists so far this campaign.

For comparison, Arnautovic, Correa, and Taremi had put together only five goals and eight assists at this stage of last season.