Esposito: ‘Unconditional confidence, Lautaro’s numbers speak for themselves’

Esposito: ‘Unconditional confidence, Lautaro’s numbers speak for themselves’

Inter and Italy striker Pio Esposito says that Cristian Chivu has given him ‘unconditional confidence’ and has spoken about the relationship that he has enjoyed with the coach dating back to his time with the U14s, and says that captain Lautaro Martinez’s numbers speak for themselves.

Esposito has won the Serie A title in his first full season with the Inter first team, chipping in with six goals and four assists from his 33 appearances in the league this term. Across all competitions, the 20-year-old has provided 15 goal involvements from 46 outings.

The youngster, now a nailed on member of the Italy national team squad, spoke about his impressive breakthrough season in an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio.

Esposito on Chivu relationship, first impressions with Inter and Lautaro Martinez insipration

For Esposito, the appointment of Chivu as head coach following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of last season was fate. Chivu began his coaching career in the Nerazzurri youth ranks, where he crossed paths with Esposito on numerous occasions.

“I’ve known him since I was with the U14s, it was his first ever year as a coach,” Esposito said (via Calciomercato).

“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 , I scored a hat-trick.