Chivu Confirms ‘Unfortunately Francesco Pio Esposito Won’t Be Available’ For Inter Milan Vs Fluminense | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has confirmed that striker Francesco Pio Esposito is not available for Inter Milan against Fluminense this evening.

The Nerazzurri coach spoke to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, ahead of today’s match. He also updated on the fitness of Marcus Thuram and Davide Frattesi.

Inter Milan take on Fluminense in the Club World Cup round of sixteen this evening.

At stake is a place in the quarterfinals, where they would meet the winner of the other round of sixteen match today between Manchester City and Al-Hilal.

There are some fitness issues heading into today’s match.

For example, striker Francesco Pio Esposito has reportedly pulled out of training for Inter in the last couple days. The 20-year-old had reportedly been the favourite to start after his start turn against River Plate.

Meanwhile, Davide Frattesi has returned to Italy for injury tests. The 25-year-old will play no part at the Club World Cup this summer.

Chivu: “Unfortunately Pio Esposito Is Out” For Inter Vs Fluminense

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 24: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale faces the media during the Training/Press Conference ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 24, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu confirmed that “Thuram has recovered.”

The Frenchman has “trained with the group” according to Chivu. “I was happy to see him smiling,” he added.

“Unfortunately Pio will not be available for the match [today],” the Nerazzurri coach added. “He’s picked up a problem with his thigh flexor, and we decided it’s best to manage it.”

Meanwhile, Chivu admitted that he’s “really sorry” to see Davide Frattesi pull out of the squad. “Because he made himself available to me right away.”

“He tried everything to come back. And it seemed that things were going in the right direction for him to return to the group.”

“But unfortunately, he’s still been dealing with some discomfort,” said the Inter coach.

“He should go and have some more injury tests and take care of himself as best he can,” Chivu said of Frattesi.

“Because there was no point in waiting to see what would happen.”