Chivu after Inter-Lecce: “Pio and I grew up together, what a pride”

How much did the 3 points obtained against Lecce this evening weigh? A lot, too much. For a long list of reasons: to restart after the partial stop at San Siro against Napoli, to take advantage of the slowdown of Conte’s team in recovery against Parma, but above all to launch themselves in the standings at +6 on the Azzurri and momentarily on Milan playing tomorrow in Como. Cristian Chivu was well aware of the specific weight of a victory, and in fact the moment Pio Esposito passed Falcone he let himself go into one of his wild celebrations, complete with a heartfelt hug with his attacker.

“I’ve known him for 7 years, we grew up together. I also know his insides, his family, his ambition and his path – says the Nerazzurri coach -. From a young age he acted as my captain in the Primavera: I’m really happy for him, because tonight’s match was really complicated. I knew it would be difficult because when you spend a lot in a match like the one against Napoli you lack energy. I too have experienced them as a footballer and I take the attitude of this team that despite the difficulties in finding play and clarity, he believed in it all the way, leaving his heart and soul on the pitch. It was more likely to lose than to win, the boys did everything and they deserved it.”

novelty

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The Inter coach then focuses on his choice to grant the team a day’s rest: “I don’t have to justify my choices, I coach based on what I see. Sometimes I make decisions that may seem strange, but it takes courage to make choices that may or may not pay off.” And on the gap: “I happened to win the title of champion in the winter, but what matters is getting to the top in May, because it will be a point-to-point battle until the end. Retirements? I don’t have to train my conscience, I trust my players and I’m proud of their way of working even in difficulties.”