Inter Winter Champions Count For Nothing, Says Chivu After Lecce Win

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Inter extended a six-point lead at the top of Serie A with a tense 1-0 win over Lecce at San Siro, yet Cristian Chivu insisted the status of winter champions holds no real value compared with lifting the Scudetto at season’s end.

The victory, secured by a late strike from 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito, came three days after Inter drew 2-2 with Napoli, when the reigning champions came from behind twice to deny Chivu’s side a statement result.

With AC Milan not in action until Thursday, Inter used the chance to stretch their advantage at the summit, tightening control of first place at the midway point of the Serie A season and confirming official winter champions status, even if Chivu repeatedly downplayed that label.

"I have won this semi-title of winter champion before in my career, but it counts for nothing, what matters is being there in May," he said. "What this means is that we're competitive, but as I said the other day, it'll be a battle to the end for every single point."

Chivu pushed back against any sense of comfort, stressing that every remaining fixture will decide the title race, especially with AC Milan still able to close the gap when the city rivals play their game in hand later in the week.

"I expected it to be difficult,because when you use up as much energy as we did in the game with Napoli on Sunday and didn't get the full result, that weighs on you. Despite the difficulties finding a way through and the right sharpness to make certain choices, this team had the right attitude, it believed to the end and had the heart to carry home the victory."

Inter struggled for long spells to break down Lecce, showing some fatigue after the intense draw with Napoli, but Chivu highlighted the squad’s mentality, pointing to patience, defensive control and late pressure as key reasons the match finally tilted their way.

The result against Lecce followed a demanding week, where Inter twice lost leads versus Napoli but still emerged from the period with four points, which strengthened their Scudetto credentials despite Chivu’s efforts to keep expectations measured.

The importance of Esposito’s late winner went beyond the league table, as Chivu celebrated emotionally on the touchline, sprinting down the sideline to embrace the forward who progressed through Inter’s youth system under Chivu’s guidance.

"I remember this little seven-year-old kid. We practically grew up together," Chivu continued. "I know him inside out, his family, his ambition, his work from the youth academy." "He was my captain in the Inter Primavera squad, and I am happy for him, just as I am happy for the whole team, because this was a really complicated game."

Chivu’s long connection with Esposito, from academy captain to first-team match winner, added a personal note to a tight contest that still underlined Inter’s broader strength, as the team held firm defensively and capitalised late to stay clear in the title race.

The combination of a six-point cushion, winter champions status and hard-fought wins over Napoli and Lecce leaves Inter well placed heading into the second half of the Serie A season, yet Chivu’s focus on May and constant warnings about pressure suggest the Scudetto battle remains very much open.