Chivu backs Lautaro’s drive while praising Esposito’s squad role

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu told SportMediaset on Friday that striker Lautaro Martinez is motivated and ready for a big season despite Barcelona’s interest, while midfielder Pio Esposito “knows his position within the group and helps raise the levels”. The comments came ahead of the Nerazzurri’s Serie A clash away at Cagliari on Sunday.

Motivation amid Barcelona interest

Chivu explained that Lautaro is the club captain because he loves the shirt and will be in the squad for a ninth year. He added that the Argentine returned from the World Cup as early as possible, cut his holiday short and has a lot of ambition despite the disappointment of a lost World Cup final.

He said the forward’s right ambition makes him ready to have a big season, underscoring the importance of keeping him at FC Internazionale Milano.

Esposito’s role in the squad

Chivu highlighted that Pio Esposito is important because he knows where he is within the group and helps keep training levels high, raising the overall standard of the team.

He stressed that such clarity is vital for the Nerazzurri as they aim to maintain a competitive edge.

Squad competition and selection

Chivu noted that Inter does not have fixed starters, saying “fixed starting positions don’t exist in football”. He listed midfield rivals including Curtis Jones, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Petar Sucic, Aleksander Stankovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Diouf, all competing for three starting spots.

Transfer market approach

Chivu described the summer window as fluid, stating the club tried to bring quality and raise the level of an already strong squad. He said Inter has an obligation to maintain a high level and keep hold of the good things achieved over the last few years.

Serie A outlook

He added that Serie A possesses a cohort of serious individuals who raise the level of their teams and the whole league, though he declined to name specific teams or players.

Implications for Inter

Chivu’s remarks suggest Lautaro will remain central to Inter’s ambitions, while Esposito’s influence will support the group’s training intensity as the Nerazzurri prepare for the upcoming match in Cagliari.