Inter Milan Head Coach Hails France & Italy Starlets For Impact On Squad & Proud Of Team Courage In Narrow Win At Atalanta | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu praised the courage and adaptability of his side after their 1-0 win over Atalanta, highlighting the impact of young forwards Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito as the Nerazzurri closed 2025 alone at the top of Serie A.

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle in Bergamo, with quotes via FCInterNews, Cristian Chivu reflected on a performance that could have produced a wider margin.

However, it was ultimately decided by Lautaro Martinez’s finish.

Asked about Inter stepping outside their comfort zone, particularly the substitution of Marcus Thuram for Pio Esposito, which led to the winning assist, Chivu stressed collective effort above individual moments.

“I’m happy with Marcus’ performance,” he said.

“He worked hard, occupied the defenders, ran a lot and applied the right pressure. Then, when we felt he had given everything, Pio came on and played Lautaro through on goal. But I’m happy with the attitude of the entire team. In the first half we played more football. Then, after the break, they raised their counter-measure by going man-to-man. We’re pleased with the result because, as you always remind me, results often matter a lot.”

Atalanta 0-1 Inter – Chivu Proud Of Bonny & Pio Esposito Impact

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Chivu then broadened the focus to Inter’s young attacking stars.

Indeed, rejecting the idea that Pio Esposito is developing in isolation.

“Bonny is there as well, let’s not forget him,” he insisted.

“They’re players who work hard and have earned the affection of the group. They always contribute, whether they start or come on as substitutes. We’re happy to have four forwards who provide this kind of input.”

Despite Inter ending the year in first place, Chivu rejected any suggestion that their position should be taken for granted.

“In football, nothing is guaranteed,” he explained.

“To be competitive, you have to dare and show it on the pitch. The pitch says this right now. However, it’s still December and we haven’t even finished the first half of the season. We know the road is long. We know we want to be competitive and we know we have to work. And sometimes we have to fight against injustices and against those who think everything is obvious.”

He added: “We know the pitch is what shows the real value of a team and a competition. We’re trying in every possible way, in good times and bad, responding blow for blow. We always keep our heads high and react to difficulties. And we’re ready to fight and work even harder.”

Chivu: ‘What Conte Says Doesn’t Interest Me’

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

When asked whether recent jabs from Antonio Conte formed part of that battle, Chivu was curt.

“What Conte says doesn’t interest me,” he replied.

On the theme of trust, Chivu avoided grand declarations about the future.

“We still have to finish 2025,” he smiled. “I struggle to think about it now, my head’s spinning. Maybe after the first match of 2026 I’ll tell you.”

Finally, when reminded that the new year will open with a fixture against Bologna, Chivu closed the interview with humour.

“I hope to be there,” he joked, drawing laughter from those present.