Pio Esposito
INT
Goal and assist in opener
Esposito scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and two chances created in Saturday's 4-1 victory against Monza.
Analysis: Esposito is increasingly staking a claim for an even more central role than the already excellent season he had last year, when he made 35 league appearances (15 starts) with seven goals and four assists. His first season with the senior squad was a natural settling in period, during which the young Nerazzurri forward grew exponentially, leading him to this point. The forward delivered a strong performance in the opener, leading his side in shots with five and scoring from his only one on target, while also creating two chances and registering an assist to get his first Serie A double contribution in a single game.
Scores in Bologna game
Esposito scored one goal to go with two shots (one on target), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Bologna.
Analysis: Esposito returned to the XI after dealing with back problems in recent weeks and tapped it home after a few ricochets in the box in the second half, scoring his ninth goal. He has also assisted twice and notched 82 shots (28 on target) and 32 chances created while rotating with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram in his maiden Serie A campaign.
Bench option in cup match
Esposito (back) was an unused sub in Thursday's Coppa Italia final.
Analysis: Esposito wasn't yet 100 percent following a back problem but was healthy enough to make the bench and could return to action in one of the last two matches, especially should the coach give some room to the reserves after clinching the title early. He hasn't scored in his last five appearances, posting six shots (two on target), four chances created and one cross (zero accurate) over that span.
Out for Lazio match
Esposito (back) hasn't been selected for Saturday's game versus Lazio, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Esposito hasn't been able to recover from a bruise to be an option but shouldn't be sidelined for long. Ange-Yoan Bonny, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez will likely all see minutes up front in this one.
Leaves Parma match with small injury
Esposito recorded no meaningful stats before exiting Sunday's 2-0 win over Parma at halftime due to back pain, La Gazzetta dello Sport informed.
Analysis: Esposito got the nod but didn't produce and departed at the interval because of some discomfort. He'll have a few days to recover ahead of Saturday's away game versus Lazio. Lautaro Martinez might be back in the XI regardless of his status after coming off the bench in his return from injury in this one.
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