After goals from Pio Esposito and Bastoni, Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2-0 in the third round of the 2025 Club World Cup Group E and advanced to the round of 16 as the first place. Facing the challenge of the next game, coach Chivu said his team must fully recover both physically and mentally.

In the 72nd minute of the second half, Pio Esposito received a pass from Petar Susic in the penalty area and shot into the net, helping Inter Milan take a 1-0 lead.

In the second half stoppage time, Bastoni dribbled the ball past the defense and shot into the goal, helping Inter Milan extend their lead to 2-0.

In the end, Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2-0 at the Lumen Stadium and successfully advanced to the round of 16.

Inter Milan coach Chivu said in an interview, "I never talk about myself, I only talk about the team. The team played a very serious game. The situation in the first half was very difficult, but we had a firm belief to advance. In the second half, we found the balance, the pass became faster, and finally won the game and successfully advanced."

“It will be another tough match and we need to recover fully both physically and mentally so that we can be ready.”

Speaking of Pio Esposito, who scored for Inter Milan, Chivu said, "We all applauded Pio Esposito, his birthday was coming up, so he had to treat everyone to a meal. He withstood the challenge in a very intense game both physically and mentally, and performed well like the rest of his teammates."

"He stepped up at the crucial moment, which is also the reward for his focus and hard work. He is a player who made the active choice to train himself in other leagues. He spent two excellent seasons in Spezia and has grown a lot and become more mature. He has great potential and I know he knows it. I know him very well and I know he will keep going down to earth."

In addition, Kifu also said, "I am always looking for solutions and hope that every player feels their value. The team must always maintain energy and fighting spirit and be ready to contribute at any time. After this tournament is over, we will consider future issues. Now we will only focus on this tournament because we want to look at it in the best way."