Inter Milan stars Piotr Zielinski and Francesco Pio Esposito have gone from strength to strength under Cristian Chivu this season.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old coach has managed to get the best out of the Nerazzurri duo.

Despite receiving several tempting offers last summer, Inter refused to sell Francesco Pio Esposito.

Indeed, Chivu requested the 20-year-old’s stay, vowing to help him become a regular first-team fixture at San Siro.

Buoyed by Chivu’s trust, Esposito has enjoyed a superb maiden campaign in Serie A.

Indeed, he has tallied four goals and four assists across 23 league matches, even though he only made seven starts.

Stats Show Pio Esposito & Zielinski Are Thriving at Inter Milan Under Cristian Chivu

Piotr Zielinski Inter Milan
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In addition to his impressive league exploits, Esposito has made three more goal contributions across other competitions.

Meanwhile, Piotr Zielinski, who was one step away from leaving Inter in the summer, has become the pillar of Chivu’s midfield.

Zielinski netted a late winner in Saturday’s derby win over Juventus and now boasts six goals and two assists in 32 matches this term.

By contrast, he only scored twice last season, with both goals coming from the spot in the famous 4-4 draw against Juventus.