Chivu Confirms Teenage Striker ‘Will Play’ In Inter Milan Vs Urawa Red Diamonds FIFA Club World Cup Clash

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Toni Weeler | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 6:43 AM ET

Cristian Chivu has confirmed that striker Sebastiano Esposito “will play” for Inter Milan against Urawa Red Diamonds this evening.

Speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the 44-year-old updated that Pio Esposito is fit, and will play either from the start or as a substitute against the Japanese side.

Francesco Pio Esposito currently finds himself at a crossroads at Inter Milan.

The teenage striker spent last season on loan with Spezia in Serie B. It was an outstanding campaign, in which he scored a total of nineteen goals for the Ligurian clubs.

Now, Pio Esposito is back with the Inter squad. He travelled to the United States for the Club World Cup.

Watch Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds for FREE with DAZN on any device!

Coming into the tournament, Pio Esposito was recovering from a knee injury. Therefore, that problem caused him to miss Inter’s group stage opener against Monterrey.

However, the 19-year-old has now returned to fitness. And Inter’s coach confirms that he’s ready to play.

Chivu: “Francesco Pio Esposito Will Play” For Inter Vs Urawa Reds

Inter coach Cristian Chivu updated that Francesco Pio Esposito “has recovered.”

“He’s completed two training sessions with us,” added the Romanian.

“[This evening] we will have the chance to see him, either from the start or coming on in mid-match.”

Chivu also admitted that he’s “curious” to see Pio Esposito play for this Inter team.

“I first encountered him when he was thirteen,” noted the 44-year-old. He coached Inter at various youth team levels.”

“We grew together,” said Chivu. “I coached him with the Primavera team, it was an honour.”

“Then he went to Serie B [on loan with Spezia], and now he’s coming off the back of two important seasons that saw him grow physically, as well as as a person.”

And of the preparations for today’s match against Urawa Red Diamonds, Chivu noted that “we’re coming from nine months of battle.”

“We always try to find the right energy,” declared the Inter coach.

“We’re facing a tidy side. They have South American and European players.”

Chivu predicted that “it will be a tough match, as all the others are.”

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: