Marotta: ‘Inter protagonists in Champions League’ again

Inter President Giuseppe Marotta warns Union Saint-Gilloise that they intend to be ‘protagonists in the Champions League’ again, and is impressed with Francesco Pio Esposito.

It kicks off at the RSC Anderlecht Stadium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and PSV Eindhoven vs. Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Nerazzurri arrive here after six consecutive victories in all competition, hoping to maintain their perfect Champions League record after wins over Ajax and Slavia Praha.

“Inter arrive here with the utmost respect for a team that has done well, but also aware we are protagonists in the Champions League, and therefore aim to win in a passionate atmosphere,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

With Marcus Thuram out injured, they have been forced to rely more than expected on Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito, but both have proved to be impressive partners to captain Lautaro Martinez.

“With regards to Pio Esposito, he has been with us since he was a child, so we’ve been able to appreciate his human and professional qualities day by day. He is eager to learn, humble, and this is why he is well on his way to being a little champion,” noted Marotta.

“When it comes to Bonny, we had discussed him between ourselves and had positive responses, but Cristian Chivu also had the chance to work with him for three months at Parma, so was able to confirm this was a wise signing.”

Esposito had been due to go out on another loan experience after his time in Serie B with Spezia, but impressed so much during the FIFA Club World Cup that it was decided to keep him at base.

A product of the youth academy, he only turned 20 in June and has two goals with one assist in nine games this season.

He also scored his first goal for Italy at senior level.