Pio Esposito helps Inter seal 3-0 Parma win as Chivu hails impact

Inter coach Cristian Chivu praised Pio Esposito’s selfless contribution after the Nerazzurri beat Parma 3-0, a result that put them three points clear at the top before Sunday’s fixtures.

Football Italia reported Chivu’s comments after his DAZN interview and post-match press conference, while Tribuna also relayed his assessment. Esposito won the penalty converted by Hakan Calhanoglu and helped build the move for Marcus Thuram’s goal as Inter settled the match inside 31 minutes.

Chivu highlighted Esposito’s generosity, work rate and counter-pressing, as well as his response when Inter lost possession. He also noted that the striker makes himself available to the group and still has room to develop. The performance adds to Pio Esposito’s growing profile at Inter.

Chivu’s praise follows an unusual Inter return

Inter were back in action after a three-week break, which Chivu described as an unknown for the squad. He said the players adapted quickly despite limited information about Parma’s approach. Djed Spence made his Inter debut after a month out, having trained with the group for only a week.

Spence played 25 minutes, while Calhanoglu completed about an hour. Although the midfielder was seen with ice after coming off, Chivu said there was no problem. Inter’s next test is against Club Brugge on Tuesday, and the coach stressed the need for the full squad during the demanding run ahead.

Esposito’s involvement against Parma gave Chivu further evidence of his usefulness beyond goals: he contributed to two key attacking moments and worked to recover possession. The display offers no guarantee of a regular starting place, but it reinforces the value of his contribution within Inter’s forward group, where young attacking options are part of the wider picture.