Cristian Chivu Explains “Why I Chose” Italy Striker To Start Ajax Vs Inter Milan Champions League Opener | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has explained his decision to include Francesco Pio Esposito in Inter Milan’s starting line-up against Ajax.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video via FCInterNews, Chivu explained the reason for benching Lautaro Martinez.

Despite the significance of the occasion, El Toro won’t start in Amsterdam.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has struggled with back pain these past few days.

Furthermore, Chivu had to take off Lautaro Martinez midway through the second half against Juventus last weekend.

Meanwhile, Ange-Yoan Bonny, who took his place in that match, starts on the bench tonight.

The French striker failed to impress in the Derby d’Italia, convincing Cristian Chivu to reconsider his options.

Therefore, Pio Esposito will partner up with Marcus Thuram in attack.

Although he only made one cameo appearance in Serie A this season, Esposito will lead the line this evening.

Moreover, it will be his debut in the Champions League.

Cristian Chivu Explains Decision to Start Francesco Pio Esposito in Ajax vs Inter Milan Clash

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Asked why he left Lautaro on the bench, Chivu replied: “He wasn’t at his best.

“He didn’t train yesterday. However, he recovered a bit today, but we preferred not to risk him and left him on the bench.

“He’s available, and we’ll call on him in the second half if needed,” Chivu added.

Then, he detailed why Esposito got the nod ahead of Bonny.

“Do you mean the name or in general? He’s been training well, and today the choice fell on Pio and Thuram.”

Moreover, he refused to talk about himself too much.

“I don’t think about Chivu,” he stated. “I think about my group and my team, who deserved more than what they’ve achieved so far in the league.

“Today it’s the Champions League, the most important match. We need to be ready; we know the level of this tough competition.

“For us, it’s about the next match, which is the most important thing. We need to turn good performances into wins.

“Thank God opportunities in football come quickly. We have the chance to earn what we deserve: trust and confidence.”