Chivu: ‘Surprised by Pio Esposito’ at Inter, worried by Cagliari strength | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu admits Francesco Pio Esposito ‘is surprising me’ with his development after the first Serie A goal for Inter, but he was concerned by Cagliari’s set play strength.

The Nerazzurri balanced squad rotation with focus on breaking down a Cagliari side that had won its last two Serie A matches.

It paid off, as Lautaro Martinez marked his return to the starting line-up after back problems with an early header, then Francesco Pio Esposito got to celebrate his first ever Serie A goal.

There were plenty of other chances too in Sardinia, as both Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan rattled the woodwork, while David Frattesi was denied by a goal-line clearance.

Chivu ‘surprised’ by Cagliari and Pio Esposito

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“Cagliari surprised us a little with a change of tactics, but the principles remained the same and we opened the scoring early on,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had the opportunities to finish it off, but we didn’t take them and that gave Cagliari more confidence, they also started throwing on strikers, but we managed to lock it down eventually and I am pleased.”

The coach was spotted celebrating wildly on the touchline after the second goal, especially as it was the first in Serie A for Pio Esposito.

“We must not forget he is only 20 years old, he has his whole future ahead of him, he just has to keep working the way he is now. He’s got great quality, but also real margin for improvement, so he’s got to keep his feet on the ground,” noted Chivu.

“I admit, he is surprising me with how well he’s doing, as he plays for the team and knows how to do certain things, is not afraid of anything, keeps a cool head in front of goal, and I’m glad he managed to get his first goal. Maybe this can help him relax even more.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Francesco Esposito of Inter celebrates his goal 0-2 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Cagliari’s best scoring opportunities came from set plays, above all when Michael Folorunsho’s header bounced off the upright.

“I think Cagliari have the tallest squad in Europe, so we already knew they would be dangerous from dead ball situations and we tried to add a few centimetres to our team. They also know how to time their runs and jumps, but we kept a clean sheet, and that too was important.”

Although there was some squad rotation, the Nerazzurri kept the old guard midfield intact of Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan and Nicolò Barella.

“We all know the quality and experience they bring to this team, the way they occupy the space and help out when defending,” noted Chivu.

“Zielinski, Diouf, Frattesi and Sucic are valid choices too, I have to choose from one game to the next based on the opponents, but also on meritocracy. I am glad they all make it difficult for me to choose.”

Inter must now prepare for the Champions League, as they will host Slavia Prague at San Siro on Tuesday night, having already won 2-0 away to Ajax.