Cristian Chivu admits Francesco Pio Esposito ‘is stunning me’ along with his growth after the primary Serie A purpose for Inter, however he was involved by Cagliari’s set play energy.
The Nerazzurri balanced squad rotation with deal with that had received its final two Serie A matches.
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It paid off, as Lautaro Martinez marked his return to the beginning line-up after again issues with an early header, then Francesco Pio Esposito obtained to have a good time his first ever Serie A purpose.
There have been loads of different possibilities too in Sardinia, as each Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan rattled the woodwork, whereas David Frattesi was denied by a goal-line clearance.
Chivu ‘shocked’ by Cagliari and Pio Esposito
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, appears on previous to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Area on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photograph by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Photographs)
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“Cagliari shocked us somewhat with a change of techniques, however the ideas remained the identical and we opened the scoring early on,”
“We had the alternatives to complete it off, however we didn’t take them and that gave Cagliari extra confidence, additionally they began throwing on strikers, however we managed to lock it down ultimately and I’m happy.”
The coach was noticed celebrating wildly on the touchline after the second purpose, particularly because it was
“We should not neglect he’s solely 20 years previous, he has his complete future forward of him, he simply has to maintain working the way in which he’s now. He’s obtained nice high quality, but in addition actual margin for enchancment, so he’s obtained to maintain his toes on the bottom,” famous Chivu.
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“I admit, he’s stunning me with how properly he’s doing, as he performs for the staff and is aware of methods to do sure issues, just isn’t afraid of something, retains a cool head in entrance of purpose, and I’m glad he managed to get his first purpose. Possibly this may help him chill out much more.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Francesco Esposito of Inter celebrates his purpose 0-2 through the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photograph by Enrico Locci/Getty Photographs)
Cagliari’s greatest scoring alternatives got here from set performs, above all when Michael Folorunsho’s header bounced off the upright.
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“I believe Cagliari have the tallest squad in Europe, so we already knew they might be harmful from lifeless ball conditions and we tried so as to add a number of centimetres to our staff. In addition they know methods to time their runs and jumps, however we saved a clear sheet, and that too was vital.”
Though there was some squad rotation, the Nerazzurri saved the previous guard midfield intact of Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan and Nicolò Barella.
“Everyone knows the standard and expertise they bring about to this staff, the way in which they occupy the area and assist out when defending,” famous Chivu.
“Zielinski, Diouf, Frattesi and Sucic are legitimate decisions too, I’ve to select from one sport to the subsequent primarily based on the opponents, but in addition on meritocracy. I’m glad all of them make it tough for me to decide on.”
Inter should now put together for the Champions League, as they’ll host Slavia Prague at San Siro on Tuesday evening, having already received 2-0 away to Ajax.