Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan: Chivu Heaps Praise On Italy Youngster After Champions League Debut: “Pio Esposito Is A Real Man” | OneFootball

Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu praised talented striker Francesco Pio Esposito after tonight’s 2-0 win against Ajax.

Speaking to Prime via FCInterNews, the Romanian coach also hailed Inter’s performance at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

Indeed, in his first touchline appearance at Europe’s top table, he scooped up three points.

Marcus Thuram emerged as Inter’s hero in Amsterdam, scoring a match-winning double on his way to winning the MVP award.

Furthermore, Hakan Calhanoglu maintained his rich vein of form.

The Turk registered two assists, with his outstanding corner-kick deliveries leading to both goals.

Despite failing to find the net, Francesco Pio Esposito fared well in his maiden Champions League outing.

The 20-year-old took Lautaro Martinez’s place in attack, with El Toro forced to skip the match due to back pain.

Although he couldn’t score, Esposito fought valiantly for every possession and created havoc inside Ajax’s penalty area.

Reassuring Performance

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We showed maturity,” Chivu said after the match. “The team is there, they understand the moments.

“It’s always important to start well in the Champions League, given the new format.”

Asked what he found to be Inter’s standout strength tonight, he replied: “The maturity.

‘The way we played in their half for most of the game, while only conceding ball circulation between their centre-backs and goalkeeper. Plus, the courage to go man-to-man.

“We also neutralized their strengths; once we managed that, they never put us in trouble.

“his is Inter: a strong, characterful team that wants to bounce back from a difficult spell and does everything to show itself.

“Credit must go to the players, they’re exceptional.”

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Praises Francesco Pio Esposito After Ajax Win

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale looks on during the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“A real man,” Chivu said about Pio. “Given how he trains and how he’s adapted to this reality, he deserves our praise.

“Even tonight, in his Champions League debut at his age, he played a great game.

“I have four strikers who give everything to help the team.”

“Of course, I’m happy when they score because that makes them feel good. Pio deserves our praise because he played a great match, keeping the same intensity for 90 minutes, which isn’t easy.

“I’m also pleased with Ange Bonny, who gave us a hand; also with Marcus Thuram, who is showing he can score headers, even if that’s not usually his strength.”

Finally, Chivu admitted that age is just a number.