Pio Esposito is expected to start Inter's Serie A opener against Monza on 22 August, with Lautaro and Thuram likely to miss the game and leave the 2005-born forward in the spotlight. It is a major early-season opportunity, but also one that fits the current reality at Inter: the club is protecting its main attacking pair and trusting the rest of the squad to carry the load.
The timing matters because Pio Esposito is also close to signing a new contract through 2031, with the agreement expected around Ferragosto. That would underline how strongly Inter now view him, especially after last year Marotta and Ausilio secured him on a five-year deal after he scored 19 goals in Serie B with Spezia.
Why Pio Esposito is in line to start
Inter do not want to risk Lautaro and Thuram before the league begins, so the opener against Monza is shaping up as a chance for Pio Esposito to lead the line. That is not simply a reward for potential. It is a reflection of the squad situation and of the club's desire to keep the attacking starters fresh for the season ahead.
The scoreless run in preseason should be seen in that context. He scored five goals in the first training match in Germany, then went three friendlies without scoring. In the test against City in Hong Kong, he missed an early chance because of tiredness. None of that reads like a cause for alarm. It looks more like a young striker being managed through fitness work, rotation and a heavier workload.
A preseason that still points to trust
Inter have had attacking contributions elsewhere too. Diouf, Pavard and Dimarco have all scored in preseason, while Bonny made his debut in the derby against Milan. That means the team has not been reliant on one forward to carry every friendly, which also explains why Pio Esposito's dry spell has not changed the broader picture.
There is also evidence that he remains in the frame internationally. In June, Pio Esposito scored two goals in experimental friendlies under Silvio Baldini. Add that to the 19-goal Serie B season with Spezia, and the case for trusting him becomes fairly straightforward.
What comes next for Inter
The key issue now is whether he can turn this chance into a convincing start to the campaign. If Lautaro and Thuram are absent, Inter will need someone to give their attack structure and presence against Monza. Pio Esposito looks the likeliest candidate to do that.
Longer term, the expectation is that Inter's attacking output will improve once Lautaro and Thuram return. For now, though, the opener is set to be about a player born in 2005 taking on responsibility sooner than planned. For Pio Esposito, that is exactly the kind of early test that can shape a season.
