Inter Milan made it three wins on the bounce as they defeated Cagliari 2-0 at the Unipol Domus on Saturday evening with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Pio Esposito giving the Nerazzurri a valuable victory to keep their momentum going in Serie A.

Head coach Cristian Chivu admitted that his team had to work hard for the result after the Rossoblu changed their tactical approach.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, with quotes via FCInterNews, the Romanian coach offered a measured assessment of his side’s performance.

Inter Head Coach Chivu Reflects On The Win Over Cagliari

Cristian Chivu Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“There’s also the opponent who can put you in difficulty,” Chivu explained.

“They changed their system and surprised us. We had prepared differently, but the principles stayed the same.”

Chivu continued, “We managed to unlock it early, but we didn’t kill it off.

“They gained courage and put on attackers, so there was a bit of suffering.

“In the end we managed it, we’re happy with the performance and the victory.”

Inter Coach Heaps Praise But Issues Caution On Pio Esposito After Goal Against Cagliari

Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu was asked about young striker Pio Esposito, who sealed the win late on.

The coach praised his qualities but urged caution.

“Let’s not exaggerate with the compliments – he’s born in 2005,” he said.

“He has the future ahead of him. He must stay grounded and keep working. He surprised me too with how well he’s doing, but we can’t expect too much.

“He plays for the team, he’s fearless, and he has composure in front of goal. I’m happy he broke his duck,” Chivu concluded.

The Nerazzurri coach also highlighted the quality of his midfield trio of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan, before shrugging off a viral clip of him defending Lautaro in training, “I have nothing to add, I said with a smile.”

Alessandro Bastoni also spoke to the press after the game, you can read his quotes here.