Coppa Italia: Inter Milan’s Chivu Backs French Duo Thuram & Bonny Against Como Amidst Star Injuries

POLICY WIRE — Milano, Italy — In a pivotal Coppa Italia showdown, Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu is set to deploy the French attacking pair of Ange-Yoan Bonny and Marcus Thuram to lead the offensive line against Como, navigating a squad significantly impacted by key player absences.

The upcoming match holds immense importance, following a goalless draw in the first leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia last month. With both teams vying for progression in the prestigious tournament, the stakes are exceptionally high for the return fixture.

Chivu’s Attacking Strategy Revealed

Reports from Corriere dello Sport, as cited by FCInterNews, confirm Chivu’s decision to place his trust in Bonny and Thuram to spearhead the Nerazzurri’s attack. This strategic choice comes at a critical juncture for the team.

Marcus Thuram, aged 28, has demonstrated a remarkable return to form, finding the back of the net in three consecutive Serie A fixtures. His impressive run includes a crucial brace in a 4-3 victory over Como earlier this season, making his current goal-scoring prowess vital for Inter.

Meanwhile, Ange-Yoan Bonny, formerly of Parma, has seen limited game time in 2026, with his last league start occurring during March’s *Derby della Madonnina*. However, he has been given the nod for this decisive encounter, ahead of fellow striker Francesco Pio Esposito.

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Significant Absences for the Nerazzurri

Inter faces the challenge without several first-team regulars. Star Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez, affectionately known as “El Toro,” remains sidelined, though he is reportedly aiming for a return specifically for the potential Coppa Italia final.

Adding to Chivu’s concerns are the absences of starting central defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Yann Bisseck. These defensive voids necessitate tactical adjustments and place greater pressure on the available squad members to perform.

The strategic decisions made by coaches, particularly when facing crucial knockout matches or managing player availability, are central to a team’s success. This constant evaluation and adaptation are reminiscent of the ongoing transfer speculation and managerial decisions at clubs like Chelsea.