Inter Milan strikers Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny struggled to impose themselves in Sunday’s derby loss to AC Milan.
According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the youngsters have often failed to shine without senior stars around.
Cristian Chivu was unable to call upon his starting strikers last weekend.
Indeed, Marcus Thuram caught a cold on the eve of Sunday’s showdown at San Siro, joining Lautaro Martinez on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, El Toro is working hard to recover for Inter’s trip to Artemio Franchi to face Fiorentina on March 22.
On a more positive note, Thuram should be at Chivu’s disposal for Saturday’s home game against Atalanta.
Pio Esposito & Bonny Struggle Without Lautaro & Thuram
Francesco Pio Esposito has enjoyed a superb maiden season at San Siro, netting seven goals and adding six assists in 38 matches.
In doing so, the 20-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Meanwhile, Bonny has bagged seven goals and picked up as many assists in 36 appearances, living up to his €24 million transfer fee.
However, both strikers have found it difficult to make an impact when leading the line without the experience of Lautaro and Thuram.
Accustomed to operating alongside the established duo, the youngsters lacked the usual reference points in attack during the derby.