Chivu: ‘Inter could’ve killed game off earlier, but Esposito is ready’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu feels Inter ‘could’ve killed off the game earlier’ in their 2-1 victory over Sassuolo, but is impressed with Francesco Pio Esposito’s maturity.

The pressure was piling on the Nerazzurri after two consecutive Serie A defeats to Udinese and Juventus, although some respite was provided by the midweek 2-0 Champions League victory away to Ajax.

They had a strong start here, taking the lead through Federico Dimarco on a smart Petar Sucuc assist, and doubling it late on thanks to a deflected Carlos Augusto effort, but Walid Cheddira struck for Sassuolo and set up a tense finale.

Davide Frattesi also had the ball in the net, but was flagged offside on the rebound from a parried Dimarco shot.

Chivu outlines Inter progress

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Players of Internazionale celebrate their side’s second goal, on own goal scored by Tarik Muharemovic of Sassuolo (not pictured) 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)

“The positives are the victory, as we really needed this, and it was also a good performance,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We could’ve killed the game off earlier, but we were up against a goalkeeper having a remarkable night. When they score late on, inevitably that creates tension, but we tried to play our football and create chances. We suffered to the end and that’s a good thing.

“The most important thing was to win tonight. I think the team can do better, we can move the ball faster, attack the space better, though obviously it’s not easy when the opposition sits deep in defence,” continued Chivu.

“We showed character, determination, the right attitude, and there was some quality too. We created the opportunities to seal the win earlier, but the goalkeeper made so many good saves.”

The best was from point-blank range on a Pio Esposito overhead kick, which would’ve been the Inter youth academy product’s first Serie A goal in his second consecutive start.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale warms up prior to 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)

“He gave a response on the field, both in Amsterdam and tonight. Despite being so young, he handles the pressure well, he can also handle the physical duel on the pitch, and works hard for the team. I’m very pleased with how he is doing,” added Chivu of the 20-year-old.

“It was a debate in Amsterdam, as Marcus Thuram was holding up the ball and Pio was picking up the rebounds, whereas I told them it ought to be the other way around. He knows how to play with his back to goal and hold off defenders.

“The strikers complete each other, Ange Bonny is also doing very well and can do a bit of everything. It means all four forwards can work together.”

There was some squad rotation from Chivu, as Josep Martinez was given his season debut, resting Yann Sommer.

“I said that I have two valid goalkeepers who help each other and I stand by that. The objective today was to give him minutes on the field and make sure he was fully settled in, because I would hate for us to be left with no alternatives.

“Yann remains our first choice, Pep will be given chances to play too, it’s not right to only wait until the Coppa Italia to give him time on the pitch.”

The Curva Nord remains on strike, sitting in silence in the stands of San Siro, except they made one exception this evening to chant for Chivu.

“I am pleased when they encourage the fans and give energy to this squad, because these are important elements that the lads need,” noted the coach.