Inter Milan Teenage Striker Outlines Cristian Chivu Influence On His Career: “We Grew Up Together” | OneFootball

Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito has explained his relationship with his manager, Cristian Chivu.

Speaking on Inter’s Matchday Programme via FCInterNews, the 20-year-old highlighted Chivu’s influence on his development.

Francesco Pio Esposito has established himself as one of Europe’s brightest talents.

Indeed, after a standout loan spell at Spezia, the young striker has proved his credentials at the highest level this term.

Furthermore, Cristian Chivu convinced the club to give Esposito the benefit of the doubt amid growing interest in his services.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri turned down several offers for their gem in the summer, including Napoli’s massive €40 million bid.

Meanwhile, Esposito has repaid the club’s trust with a string of outstanding performances at the start of the 2025/26 season.

He has already scored in both the Champions League and Serie A.

In addition, new Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso handed the Inter prodigy his maiden senior call-up in September.

Esposito refused to disappoint as he scored in Italy’s FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Estonia last month.

Inter Milan Ace Pio Esposito Explains His Relationship with Cristian Chivu

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“The biggest lesson I received? I believe it was the one given to me by the first coach I had at Inter, Davide Aggio,” Esposito said.

“From the very start, he made me understand what it means to be part of a great club like Inter.

“He taught me how important it was to behave properly both on and off the pitch because wearing this shirt is something special.”

Then, he discussed his relationship with Chivu.

“We have a beautiful relationship because we grew up together, each in his role.

“I was in the U14 in his first year as coach, then we found ourselves together in the Primavera and finally in the first squad.

“We grew up together, and that bound us.

“In the Primavera, he gave me a lot of responsibility with the captain’s armband; he is a person with great values whom I respect a lot.”

Then, he spoke about his brothers.

“What would I take from my brothers? From Salvatore, I would take the game vision, and from Sebastiano, the ease of the first touch.”

Finally, Esposito explained what helped him most in his career.

“The desire to work,” he added. “Without my determination to never stop, I wouldn’t have arrived here.

“Then the physical growth I experienced when I went to Spezia after the Primavera helped me a lot and made the difference.”