Italian media believe Inter Milan’s reshaped attack gives Cristian Chivu an edge his predecessor never truly had.
La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights the striking difference between the current forward unit and the one managed by Simone Inzaghi.
Today against Sassuolo, Chivu is expected to return to the established partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, but the real story lies in the depth behind them.
Youngsters Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny have already contributed 10 goals between them this season.
Their impact marks a sharp contrast with last year, when rotation options struggled to match the output of the starting pair.
Inter In Safer Hands Under Chivu As Bonny & Esposito Shine As Back-Ups
The four main forwards have combined for 40 goals in 34 matches across all competitions: Lautaro with 17, Thuram 11, Bonny seven and Esposito five.
That works out at an average of 1.18 goals per game.
Last season, the department produced 54 goals in 63 games, an average of just 0.87.
Then, the burden fell heavily on Lautaro and Thuram, while alternatives such as Marko Arnautovic, Joaquin Correa and Mehdi Taremi provided limited support.
Now the picture looks very different. Chivu can rotate without losing quality, and each forward offers distinct characteristics.
The variety in profiles has brought more unpredictability to Inter’s attacking play and reduced the physical toll on the first-choice duo.
In short, the music has changed. Inter no longer rely on the same dance partners every week, and that renewed flexibility has turned the Nerazzurri attack into one of the most balanced and productive units in Serie A.
Inzaghi brought Correa and probably requested “experienced” reinforcements like Arnautovic and Taremi. He wouldn’t have given Pio the chances Chivu has, either.
Chivu is successful because he brought Bonny and has the courage to give a young guy like Pio a real chance- even starting him in important games.
The Italian media always finds a way to diminish the role of Chivu. Inzaghi had to green light certain transfers and it was him who requested Correa and Acerbi. Give the coach some credit ffs
Agreed. Inzaghi requested and received an aging team because he isn’t willing to take the chance- or doesn’t know how to introduce unproven talent.