The Frenchman can partner with Thuram, Lautaro, and Pio Esposito, adapting his qualities to complement each partner. Here`s a tactical analysis.
Inter`s new versatile forward is French. Ange-Yoan Bonny is set to arrive at San Siro, known as an adaptable striker capable of fitting into various attacking setups. Coach Chivu, who managed him for 13 matches at Parma, was instrumental in convincing Inter to invest €24 million. Last season, Bonny scored six goals – fewer than Lautaro, Thuram, and Esposito – but he demonstrated the ability to play effectively alongside different partners and operate both inside and outside the penalty area. His statistics from Parma highlight his impact: most dribbles (36), most shots on target (32), most total shots (64), joint-most times hitting the post/crossbar (3 with Mihaila), second-most duels won (140), and second-most chances created (7). In short: a comprehensive player.
Partnering with Lautaro
Let`s analyze his potential partnership with Lautaro Martinez. Last season, Lautaro adjusted his game for Thuram, allowing the Frenchman to operate more as a primary striker. Lautaro still scored 12 Serie A goals and 9 in the Champions League. Paired with Bonny, whose intelligent movement is a key asset, Lautaro could potentially play higher up the pitch and return to the penalty-box presence he had in the 2023-24 season. Lautaro`s heatmap this year indicates his activity was mostly concentrated around the attacking midfield line – a similar area to Bonny`s under Pecchia and Chivu, where he often drifted behind the main forward. Both players recorded a comparable number of touches in this zone last season (Lautaro 413, Bonny 412). Lautaro also showed defensive contribution with 84 touches, compared to Bonny`s 70, illustrating their shared willingness to contribute defensively.
With Thuram
Partnering with Marcus Thuram would create a different dynamic. Thuram himself has evolved; previously a winger at Gladbach, Inzaghi has converted him into a central striker, resulting in 33 goals over the last two seasons. Thuram boasts the highest shot accuracy among Inter`s forwards at 43%. Lautaro leads in total shots on target with 37, while Bonny recorded 19. Bonny also had the fewest total shots (61) compared to Thuram (64) and Lautaro (99). It`s important to note that Parma`s offensive output was naturally lower than Inter`s; Chivu prioritized defensive solidity to secure points.
With Esposito
Ange-Yoan Bonny might find his most complementary partner in Pio Esposito, a classic penalty-box striker. Esposito demonstrated his finishing ability with a typical striker`s goal against River: control, feint, turn, and finish. At La Spezia, he scored 19 goals primarily by operating within the box, recording 114 shots (37 on target, 32% accuracy) and 228 touches inside the penalty area. Bonny had 112 touches in the box, roughly half, which suggests they could complement each other well: one player (Bonny) roams and creates, while the other (Esposito) focuses on occupying the box and finishing chances. Naturally, the `ThuLa` partnership (Thuram-Lautaro) remains Inter`s primary attacking duo. Nevertheless, the versatile Frenchman is prepared to adapt and contribute in any pairing.
