Chivu: Inter will ‘try not to repeat mistakes’ with Pio Esposito | OneFootball

Inter coach Cristian Chivu is delighted with Francesco Pio Esposito’s performance against River Plate and praises his players who ‘are embracing a methodology change.’

Esposito scored a goal in Inter’s 2-0 win over River Plate on Wednesday, which sent the Nerazzurri to the Round of 16 as group winners.

“We put in a serious performance with character and determination to bring it home,” Chivu told reporters after the game, as quoted by Gazzetta.

Chivu admits River Plate approach surprised Inter

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Denzel Dumfries #2 of FC Internazionale Milano scuffles with Marcos Acuña #21 of CA River Plate 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)

“We were a bit surprised by their aggressiveness in the first half. They were going after second balls with absolute ferocity, but at half time, we fixed that.

“We brought more intensity and desire to win duels and tackles. River are a top team and gave everything to go through. We put ourselves in the right mindset and managed to match what they were bringing. We defended well and tried to go man-to-man, but above all, we understood the moments of the game.”

Inter had a slow start to the Club World Cup, drawing 1-1 against Monterrey and securing a narrow 2-1 win over Urawa Reds, so their victory over River was surely their most convincing game under Chivu.

“I’ve been here for 14 days, and if the boys are responding like this, it means they want to honour the tournament. If we are here, it’s because we want to go all the way,” said the new Nerazzurri boss.

“The credit goes to the players who are embracing a methodology change from my staff and me. They always try to add something, and it’s a sign of an excellent spirit.”

Pio Esposito scored his first senior goal with the Nerazzurri after netting 22 times in 79 games with Spezia in Serie B over the last two seasons.

Chivu praises Pio Esposito

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Petar Sucic #8 and 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)

“How do you keep him calm after a game like that? Well, we try not to repeat the mistakes we’ve made with others,” Chivu said.

“It was an excellent performance as he adapted to a tough context. He rose to the occasion and that’s a reward for his intelligence and hard work. He’s a guy who chose to go and play in a different division. He had two great seasons at Spezia, and he has grown and matured significantly. He has great potential and I know he’s aware of that. We still need to keep working with him. I know him well, and I know he’ll keep his feet on the ground.”

Pio Esposito’s brother Sebastiano has also returned to Inter after a one-season loan at Empoli, and Chivu even considered playing them together.

“People think he’s only good in the box, but it’s not true. He’s good all over the pitch. Compliments to the family, they’ve raised three top-level kids. I even thought about playing him and Sebastiano together. I asked if they had ever played side by side, but they said no, so I gave it some thought. Pio was too tired, it will happen another time.”

The third Esposito brother, Salvatore, is a product of the Inter academy and is under contract with Spezia.