Inter and Italy striker Pio Esposito says that Cristian Chivu has given him ‘unconditional confidence’ and has spoken about the relationship that he has enjoyed with the coach dating back to his time with the U14s, and says that captain Lautaro Martinez’s numbers speak for themselves.
Esposito has won the Serie A title in his first full season with the Inter first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists from his 33 appearances in the league this term. Across all competitions, the 20-year-old has provided 15 goal involvements from 46 outings.
The youngster, now a nailed on member of the Italy national team squad, spoke about his impressive breakthrough season in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio.
Esposito on Chivu relationship, first impressions with Inter and Lautaro Martinez insipration
For Esposito, the appointment of Chivu as head coach following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of last season was fate. Chivu began his coaching career in the Nerazzurri youth ranks, where he crossed paths with Esposito on numerous occasions.
“I’ve known him since I was with the U14s, it was his first ever year as a coach,” Esposito said (via Calciomercato).
“He already had me playing, I immediately took a liking to him and a beautiful bond was born. I met him again in the Primavera and he started giving me the captain’s armband even if I was ‘underage’. The first time against Cagliari, I scored a hat-trick.
“We continued to talk over the years and it was lucky that we got to meet again this year. His presence has been decisive. He’s given me unconditional confidence since day one.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is easy to forget that Esposito’s senior debut with Inter came less than a year ago, during the FIFA Club World Cup in June, 2025.
“I felt like I was in a movie when we flew to America,” Esposito recalled. “I was there with them, in the hotel, with the group, I worked alongside the champions I was used to watching on TV every Sunday.”
Esposito also had nothing but positive things to say about his captain and fellow centre-forward Lautaro Martinez.
Inter came back from two goals down in a home Serie A clash against Pisa, completing a comeback with Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito in the opening Round 22 match.
“The numbers speak for themselves, and for us, seeing him never settle for anything in training is an inspiration. He returned after quite a long break against Roma and immediately made the difference.”