Inter Milan 2-1 Sassuolo – Chivu Happy Over Win “But We Can Do Better” – Adds ‘Great Match’ By Italy Youngster | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu said “the positive note is the victory” in his side’s 2-1 win over Sassuolo on Sunday evening, “but for me, Inter can do better.”

A goal from Federico Dimarco and an own goal from Tarik Muharemovic separated the two sides as Sassuolo made a late fight back to scare Inter.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, with quotes via FCInterNews, Chivu said “The positive note is the victory.”

“We needed it,” he continued, “since we have been lacking in that respect and we also put in a good performance.”

The coach admitted “We could have closed the game earlier but we came up against a goalkeeper in great form.”

“Then”, he added, “with a great play from them we conceded and you suffer a bit because certain mental things come into play.”

Inter Milan Head Coach Chivu Praises Youngster Pio Esposito In Win Over Sassuolo

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match. Between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. On September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

One of the selection questions before the match focused on Marcus Thuram’s partner in attack.

Youngster Francesco Pio Esposito played in the midweek game against Ajax due to back pain suffered by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

The Italian gave a good account of himself against the Dutch side.

Therefore, Chivu chose not to take any risks against the Neroverdi.

Pio Esposito started once again, with Lautaro entering the match from the bench.

“I think Pio gave us answers on the pitch,” Chivu said, “in Amsterdam and today.

“He played a great game and integrated very well,” the coach added, “He holds up under pressure, holds up in duels and I’m happy with what he does for the team.”

Chivu was then asked whether or not the introduction of Pio Esposito allows the coach to utilise Thuram and Lautaro in different ways.

“This was a debate in Amsterdam with Marcus,” the Romanian said, “because he was stretching the defence and Pio was dropping deep.

“So I told them to do it the other way around,” he continued, “He knows how to play with his back to goal and so you can attack from behind.”

“They complement each other,” he added, “just like with Bonny who is doing an excellent job and who we’ll soon see play.”

“I’m glad to have these forwards,” Chivu concluded.

Inter Milan Coach Chivu On His ‘Ideal Inter’ And Goalkeeper Rotation

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Josep Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates. After his teammate Hakan Calhanoglu (not pictured) scored his side’s first goal. During the Coppa Italia Semi Final match. Between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. On April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu’s side took home the three points but the coach remained positive his side can still improve.

“For me, Inter can do better,” the coach admitted.

“We can move the ball better, speed up more and attack depth more effectively.”

“Then it’s not easy to attack a low block,” he confessed, “but we showed character and determination.”

“We had the right attitude,” Chivu continued.

“And we produced some moments of quality but their goalkeeper didn’t allow us to close it earlier.”

Finally, the coach was asked about his comments in yesterday’s press conference, where he teased reporters with the information that “One Martinez will play.”

Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez stepped up into the line-up today, replacing Yann Sommer between the posts.

“Promise kept,” the coach said, “I have good goalkeepers who complement and help each other out.”

“I’m happy with his performance,” Chivu said on Martinez.

“The goal is to give him minutes and see how he integrates.”

“Yann is a great goalkeeper and he remains our first choice,” the coach added.

“Pepo will have his chances, I’m happy they are both getting minutes,” he concluded.

“We don’t have to wait for Coppa Italia for the other one to play.”