Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce – MOTM Pio Esposito Hails Relationship With Chivu: “A Lot Of Affection” | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito praised his relationship with Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu after Wednesday’s 1-0 home win over Lecce.

Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, the highly rated youngster discussed his affection for the 45-year-old manager.

Despite dominating the game from start to finish, Inter had to wait until the 78th minute to break the deadlock.

Indeed, second-half Francesco Pio Esposito latched onto the rebound just outside the six-yard box, slotting the ball past Wladimiro Falcone.

In doing so, the 20-year-old center-forward netted his first Serie A goal at the San Siro and his second league goal of the season overall.

More importantly, Esposito’s late winner has steered table-topping Inter six points clear of second-placed AC Milan.

However, it’s worth noting that the teenage striker wasted another glorious opportunity to kill the game off moments after finding the net.

Left unmarked on the edge of the box, Esposito narrowly missed the target.

Yet, he won’t lose much sleep over that miss, knowing his goal could prove decisive in an intense Scudetto race.

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

PARMA, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on January 07, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

First of all, Esposito highlighted how important it was to him to score his first league goal at Giuseppe Meazza.

“Yes, honestly, I’d been waiting for it for a long time,” he stated. “Hard work always pays off.”

Then, he commented on his Champions League drought at home.

“Yes, but tonight I’m happy as it is. We’ll think about that later,” he added.

Furthermore, he discussed Chivu’s wild celebration after the goal.

“Yes, yes, I saw him after the scramble. Even in the Primavera days he used to come and celebrate with me.

“Our bond is made of a few words and a lot of affection.

“He’s one of those people who don’t say much, but you know they’re there.

“We’ve grown together as coach and player, and he’s very important to me as a person.”

Asked whether the top spot scares or motivates Inter, Esposito replied: “Definitely the latter.

“We all want it, and your objective can’t scare you. Now every match is difficult, the season is very long, but we want to be up there.”