Inter could partner Lautaro with Pio Esposito in season opener against Monza

Champions Inter are preparing to defend their title and star striker Lautaro Martinez is training hard at Appiano Gentile, as Cristian Chivu begins work on deciding who will partner him in attack in the season opener against Monza.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Francesco Pio Esposito is currently expected to partner El Toro, as he leads Marcus Thuram in terms of fitness.

Thuram was a part of France’s squad at the World Cup in the summer, although he did not get much of a chance on the pitch. Pio Esposito, meanwhile, missed out on the tournament after Italy’s failure to qualify, given additional rest ahead of the new campaign.

Lautaro works hard in summer break as Inter prepare for Monza

The Corriere report that Lautaro, on the other hand, returned to training way ahead of schedule and has spent the summer break focusing on his fitness and nutrition.

Inter kick off their title defence on August 22, which also happens to be Lautaro’s birthday, against newly promoted Monza. Monza, who were promoted as play-off winners, prove an interesting test for Chivu‘s champions but fitness will determine who leads the line for the Nerazzurri.