Esposito Credits Chivu’s Trust and Lautaro’s Example for Breakthrough Season. Misses The Game Against Lazio.

Inter’s rising star Pio Esposito has opened up about his deep connection with coach Cristian Chivu and how captain Lautaro Martínez serves as a daily blueprint for excellence.

Following a stellar debut campaign with the Inter first team, 20-year-old Pio Esposito is celebrating his first Serie A title. The young striker contributed six goals and four assists across 33 league appearances, totaling 15 goal involvements in 46 outings across all competitions.

In a recent interview with Cronache di spogliatoio, the now-Italy international reflected on his rapid ascent from the youth ranks to the pinnacle of Italian football.

A Connection Rooted in the Academy

For Esposito, Cristian Chivu’s appointment as head coach following Simone Inzaghi’s departure felt like destiny. The two have shared a professional bond since the striker’s early teens.

“I’ve known him since I was with the U14s, it was his first ever year as a coach,” Esposito said. “He already had me playing, I immediately took a liking to him and a beautiful bond was born. I met him again in the Primavera and he started giving me the captain's armband even if I was 'underage'. The first time against Cagliari, I scored a hat-trick.”

That long-standing relationship provided the foundation for his smooth transition to senior football:

“We continued to talk over the years and it was lucky that we got to meet again this year. His presence has been decisive. He's given me unconditional confidence since day one.”

Living the Dream

Despite his rapid rise to becoming a "nailed-on" member of the Azzurri squad, Esposito admits that his senior debut during the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025 still feels surreal.

“I felt like I was in a movie when we flew to America,” he recalled. “I was there with them, in the hotel, with the group, I worked alongside the champions I was used to watching on TV every Sunday.”

Inspired by "El Toro"

Esposito also highlighted the influence of his strike partner and captain, Lautaro Martínez. For the youngster, the Argentine’s relentless work ethic is what sets the standard for the rest of the squad.

“The numbers speak for themselves, and for us, seeing him never settle for anything in training is an inspiration. He returned after quite a long break against Roma and immediately made the difference.”

With his agent recently suggesting that Esposito intends to remain at Inter for the next decade, the Nerazzurri faithful have plenty of reason to be excited about the future of their homegrown star.

It is confirmed via Calciomercato.com that Pio will miss this weekends game against Lazio because of injury, alongside Hakan Calhanoglu. Neither player have made the trip to Rome.