Inter Run Riot, Chivu Praises Esposito's Mentality: Selfishness Is Not in His Dictionary
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- Inter Milan menutup laga kontra Parma dengan kemenangan telak 3-0, membawa mereka unggul tiga angka di puncak klasemen sementara.
- Pelatih Cristian Chivu menyoroti kontribusi Pio Esposito, menekankan bahwa pemain muda itu mengutamakan kolektivitas di atas kepentingan pribadi.
- Djed Spence akhirnya mencatatkan debut setelah sebulan absen, namun Chivu mengingatkan agar tidak membebani pemain terlalu cepat.
Inter Milan secured a convincing 3-0 win over Parma in Serie A, a result that underlined their dominance at the top of the provisional standings. The match at San Siro was effectively settled inside the first 31 minutes, showcasing the Nerazzurri's attacking efficiency and leaving their opponents no room to recover.
The victory puts Inter three points clear of their nearest challengers, at least until Sunday's round of fixtures is played. For coach Cristian Chivu, the result was more than just three points; it was proof that his squad can maintain intensity even after a three-week break caused by the international calendar.
Chivu admitted the long pause had created some uncertainty. "We didn't know how they would react because this is an unprecedented situation," he said in the post-match press conference, as quoted by DAZN. "But the players worked well, the enthusiasm was high, and those who stayed here made a meaningful contribution." The Romanian coach also stressed the importance of rotation, giving minutes to players who had rarely featured while resting those who had just returned from national team duty.
The main spotlight fell on Pio Esposito, the young forward who won the penalty—converted by Hakan Calhanoglu—and was involved in the build-up to Marcus Thuram's goal. Chivu was quick to praise the character of the 19-year-old. "His main trait is generosity. The word 'selfish' is not in his dictionary," Chivu said. "He works for the team, he presses back, and when he loses the ball, he tries to win it back. That shows extraordinary mental work."
Besides Esposito, Chivu also welcomed the first appearance of Djed Spence, who came on as a substitute after a month on the sidelines with injury. He warned, however, against setting expectations too high. "Just enjoy his first 25 minutes. He has only trained with the team for a week. Don't demand too much or we will push him beyond his limits," Chivu said. "Hopefully, with daily training and matches, his condition will improve. I am happy to see him back on the pitch."
Concern briefly arose when Calhanoglu was seen icing his leg after being substituted. But Chivu dismissed any injury issue. "I didn't see the ice. No, he is fine. He played an hour well to build up his condition. We need all our players for the heavy schedule ahead," he explained.
Praise was also directed at Carlos Augusto, who was again trusted to fill the left-back role in a three-man defence. According to Chivu, Augusto's flexibility—both as a wing-back and a centre-back—is invaluable. "He has physical strength and energy in duels, also when overlapping. His long-range shooting is impressive. We are happy to have him," added the 44-year-old coach.
Chivu also commented on the tactical freedom given to Federico Dimarco, who often drifts to the right. "It is about how we fill the spaces. If someone rotates to his side, he is free to come inside. Sometimes he plays as a striker, sometimes as a mezzala. Today he delivered a cross from the right wing-back position," he explained. "We have players developed enough to adapt to a four-man defence. My players are growing, and they enjoy the game."
On the other hand, Chivu expressed sympathy for Carlos Cuesta, who was sacked by Parma despite winning against Genoa in his last match. He also backed Alberto Gilardino, who was appointed as his replacement. "I am always sad when a coach is dismissed, just as I am happy for the one who arrives. That is the life of a coach: you know there is no permanent contract, and you are judged on many things," he said. "I am sure Gila will have an important season, because Parma deserve it."
The win is valuable momentum for Inter ahead of their Champions League trip to Club Brugge on Tuesday. With rotation running smoothly and key players back fit, Inter look ready for a packed schedule. The real challenge, however, is maintaining consistency under pressure from rivals who remain in close pursuit. Can the Nerazzurri sustain this momentum until the end of the season?
