Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez Intensifies Preseason Training Ahead of Monza Clash
Champions Inter are gearing up to defend their title, with star striker Lautaro Martinez putting in considerable effort at Appiano Gentile. Cristian Chivu, the team’s coach, is evaluating options to determine who will partner Martinez in the attack for the upcoming season opener against Monza.
According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Francesco Pio Esposito emerges as the likely candidate to join Martinez up front, primarily due to his superior fitness compared to Marcus Thuram. Despite being part of France’s World Cup squad this summer, Thuram had limited playing time on the pitch, while Pio Esposito, who missed the tournament due to Italy’s failure to qualify, has had additional rest in preparation for the new campaign.
The upcoming match will mark the start of Inter’s title defense on August 22, coinciding with Martinez’s birthday, against newly promoted Monza. The team, having gained promotion as play-off winners, presents a notable challenge for Chivu’s champions. The fitness of the players will play a crucial role in determining the starting lineup for Inter as they kick off the new season.
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.
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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.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after the team’s victory in the Coppa Italia Final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
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.
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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.
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