Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has waxed lyrical about Francesco Pio Esposito following tonight’s home win over Lecce.
Talk to DAZN via FCInterNewsthe 45-year-old coach explained his relationship with the prodigious striker.
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Cristian Chivu made several changes to the starting lineup against Napoli on Sunday.
In fact, he gave Andy Diouf his first debut in Serie A by replacing Lautaro Martinez with Ange-Yoan Bonny.
However, his tactical changes almost backfired for Inter, who only found the advantage in the 78th minute.
Francesco Pio Esposito opened his Serie A account at the Stadio San Siro coming off the bench to inspire the Nerazzurri to a precious victory.
Additionally, Chivu’s men have now won three of their last four home league matches, barring Sunday’s draw against Naples.
As a result, they extended their lead over runners-up AC Milan to six points, putting even more pressure on their bitter rivals.
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Massimiliano Allegri’s side must beat Como away tomorrow to stay within reach, underlining the importance of Esposito’s winner.
Cristian Chivu salutes Pio Esposito after Inter Milan’s 1-0 win at Lecce
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates his team’s first goal with Lautaro Martinez #10 during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and the CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
“He was a little kid, big,” Chivu said. “He barely reached my chest. We practically grew up together.
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“I know his family, I know his background, his background in the youth system.
“He was a minor captain in my Inter Primavera. I’m happy for him, just like I am for the team, because today was a difficult match.”
Then he delivered his verdict on Lecce’s stubborn defensive performance.
“I expected a tough match,” added Chivu. “When you expend so much energy, as you did on Sunday night, and when you fail to achieve your ambitions, it shows.
“I’ve also experienced times where playing again after 72 hours wasn’t the easiest thing.
“What I remember from it is the attitude of a team which, despite its difficulties in finding fluidity and clarity in its game, believed until the end, leaving its soul and its heart on the pitch to win the match.
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“These are matches that we are more likely to lose than to win. I am happy for them because they deserve it.
“Despite the difficulties, they did everything possible to bring him home.”
Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu explains his decision to give his team a day off
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Inter head coach Cristian Chivu reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arvéda/Getty Images)
Chivu gave his team a day off yesterday, prioritizing their mental freshness ahead of physical preparation.
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Despite Inter’s disappointing first half performance, it paid off in the end.
“We might as well turn the question around and say we won because of the day off,” Chivu said.
“Everything is relative. I don’t have to justify my choices.
“I don’t coach for my own conscience, but based on my experience and what I see in the eyes of these players.
“Sometimes I make decisions that may seem strange because Italian football is not used to them.
“However, sometimes you have to have the courage to make certain choices.
“They may or may not pay, but what matters to me is everything that awaits us in the next five months of this season.”
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Furthermore, Inter were crowned winter champions thanks to tonight’s victory.
“I have already won this half title as a player,” Chivu said.
“But what matters to me is to arrive at May aware that we are competitive and to stay committed to the top of the table, because it will be a point by point league and a battle to the end.
Finally, he praised the work of his team on the training ground.
“For how many times I’ve done it, I should have won the championship every year. There needs to be clarity.
“I don’t train for my conscience or simply to get a result the next day. And I trust my players and their maturity.
“I am happy with the way they work every day despite the difficulties.”
