Cristian Chivu’s arrival as head coach has significantly influenced the future of young striker Pio Esposito at Inter Milan. Chivu, who first recognized Esposito’s talent when he was just 13, has elevated the 20-year-old player to a prominent position within the team.
Chivu’s Impact on Esposito’s Career
Since June 9, 2025, when Chivu took the helm at Inter, the trajectory of Esposito’s career has changed dramatically. Under Chivu’s guidance, Esposito has made impactful contributions in key matches. His debut as a starter came during the Club World Cup against River Plate, where he scored his first goal for Inter.
Strategic Decision: Pio vs. Hojlund
A crucial moment in the transfer strategy occurred when Inter had to choose between promoting Esposito or acquiring another talent, Rasmus Hojlund. At that time, Hojlund was not on Napoli’s radar. Chivu requested additional evaluation time to see Esposito in action before making a decision.
- Pio Esposito debuted as a starter against River Plate, scoring a crucial goal.
- He also started matches in the Champions League against Ajax and in Serie A against Sassuolo.
After observing Esposito’s performance against River Plate, Chivu concluded that Esposito was not only the future but also the present of Inter Milan. This sentiment was shared by club president Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio.
Building Towards the Future
As a result of Chivu’s confidence in Esposito, Inter decided to abandon interest in other forwards, such as Ademola Lookman, focusing instead on their promising youth. Both Esposito and his brother Bonny have been developing rapidly, solidifying their places in the team.
Today, the optimism surrounding Inter Milan is palpable, with fans, players, and coaching staff feeling united in their shared vision. With Pio Esposito firmly integrated into the squad, the team looks forward to a promising season ahead.
