Inter Milan’s attack has gone quiet since Lautaro Martinez’s injury, and Cristian Chivu wants answers against Atalanta on Saturday from Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram.
The Nerazzurri have scored just twice in their last five outings, with two goalless draws also blotting the recent record.
The forced changes up front have had knock-on effects throughout the team, and the results have reflected that.
The Champions League exit in Norway was another blow to momentum, as per FCInterNews.
Inter Vs Atalanta – Chivu Expects More From Esposito & Thuram
Since then, Inter have looked a different side to the one that dominated the first half of the season.
Chivu knows it. Now he is demanding a response from his forwards.
Marcus Thuram returns to the starting lineup after illness ruled him out of the derby.
The Frenchman has not scored since Lautaro went down.
Pio Esposito starts alongside him, also searching for a big-game contribution at a critical moment.
Their performances will be judged on output, but Chivu’s demands go beyond goals.
He wants pressing intensity, hold-up play to relieve the defence, and the ability to raise the team’s defensive line when needed.
Ange-Yoan Bonny provides additional attacking cover from the bench.
Saturday’s match carries enormous weight in the Scudetto race. A win would steady the ship. A slip would invite further pressure with Milan lurking just seven points behind.