Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce – Chivu Praises MOTM Pio Esposito: “We’ve Grown Together” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu waxed lyrical about Francesco Pio Esposito after tonight’s home triumph over Lecce.

Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old coach explained his relationship with the prodigious striker.

Cristian Chivu made several changes to the starting lineup that faced Napoli on Sunday.

Indeed, he gave Andy Diouf his maiden Serie A start while replacing Lautaro Martinez with Ange-Yoan Bonny.

However, his tactical alterations almost backfired on Inter, who only found the breakthrough in the 78th minute.

Francesco Pio Esposito opened his Serie A account at Stadio San Siro off the bench to inspire the Nerazzurri to a precious victory.

Moreover, Chivu’s men have now won three of their last four home league matches, except for Sunday’s draw against Napoli.

As a result, they’ve stretched their lead over runners-up AC Milan to six points, putting more pressure on their bitter rivals.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side must beat Como on the road tomorrow to stay within touching distance, highlighting the importance of Esposito’s winner.

Cristian Chivu Hails Pio Esposito After Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce Win

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“He was a small kid, tall,” Chivu stated. “He barely reached my chest. We’ve practically grown up together.

“I know his family, I know his background, his journey through the youth system.

“He was an underage captain in my Inter Primavera. I’m happy for him, just as I am for the team, because today was a difficult match.”

Then, he delivered his verdict on Lecce’s stubborn defensive performance.

“I was expecting a tough game,” Chivu added. “When you expend so much energy, as you did on Sunday night, and when you fail to reach your ambitions, it shows.

“I’ve also experienced moments where playing again after 72 hours wasn’t the easiest thing.

‘What I take from this is the attitude of a team that, despite struggling to find fluency and clarity in their play, believed until the very end, leaving their soul and heart on the pitch to win the match.

“These are games you’re more likely to lose than to win. I’m happy for them because they deserve it.

“Despite the difficulties, they did everything possible to bring it home.”

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Explains His Decision to Give His Squad a Day Off

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, 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 Arveda/Getty Images)

Chivu granted his team a day off yesterday, prioritizing their mental freshness ahead of physical preparations.

Despite Inter’s underwhelming first-half display, it eventually paid off.

“We could just as well turn the question around and say we won thanks to 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 on what I see in the eyes of these players.

“Sometimes I make decisions that may seem strange because Italian football isn’t used to them.

“However, at times, you need the courage to make certain choices.

“They may pay off or they may not, but what matters to me is everything that lies ahead in the next five months of this season.”

Moreover, Inter were crowned winter champions, courtesy of tonight’s victory.

“I’ve won this semi-title before as a player,” Chivu claimed.

“But what matters to me is reaching May aware that we are competitive and staying attached to the top of the table, because it will be a point-by-point league and a battle until the end.”

Finally, he hailed his team’s work on the training pitch.

“For how many I’ve done, I should have won the league every year. You need clarity.

“I don’t coach for my own conscience or just to get a result the next day. And I trust my players and their maturity.

“I’m happy with how they work every day despite the difficulties.”