Inter Milan & Italy Legend Defends Compatriot From Boos & Claims In-Form Winger Is ‘The Best Crosser In Europe’ | OneFootball

Christian Vieri has delivered a passionate and wide-ranging verdict on Inter Milan ahead of the Milan derby, crowning Federico Dimarco the best crosser in Europe, defending Alessandro Bastoni from his critics and offering a nuanced take on everything from the Champions League exit to Pio Esposito’s development.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, the Inter and Italy legend held nothing back.

Indeed, his praise for Dimarco was as effusive as anything written about the wing-back this season.

On the suggestion that Dimarco is the best player in Serie A, Vieri went further.

“More than that,” he said. “With a performance level and consistency like his, he is the best crosser in Europe. The way he delivers them, so many of them, nobody matches him. And this year he scores more too, because Inter attack with a lot of players.”

Inter & Italy Legend Vieri: ‘Dimarco Top, Give Pio Esposito More Crosses!’

SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

On Pio Esposito, Vieri was equally glowing but careful to manage expectations.

“He does not even have 21 years and the journey from Spezia to Inter is too, too long, not many have made it,” he said.

He praised the youngster’s technical improvement, noting he is now more composed in possession and better at finding teammates in dangerous positions.

“You see all of Pio Esposito if you give him seven or eight crosses per half, that is when his qualities really show.”

Vieri also offered a staunch defence of Bastoni ahead of what promises to be a hostile reception at San Siro.

“What he did, everyone does,” he said bluntly.

“The cameras do not forgive and social media is brutal. Bastoni went to the press room, apologised, knows he made a mistake, that should be enough.”

On the Champions League exit, Vieri was characteristically direct.

“A team like Inter is obliged not to make those kinds of calculations,” he said, dismissing the idea that the club prioritised the league over Europe.

And on Chivu, his verdict was warm. “You can see he is the commander, for better or worse, he decides. He removes who needs removing, he rotates without problems. That matters in the end.”