Pio Esposito reacts as Inter Milan fall 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt

Esposito: “It’s a heavy defeat, but qualification is still possible”

Despite finding the net, Pio Esposito could not prevent Inter Milan from slipping to a 3-1 defeat away to Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League. 

Speaking to both Prime Video and Sky Sport after the final whistle, the Nerazzurri striker offered an honest and composed assessment of the night.

“At the moment it’s hard to say exactly when it slipped away from us,” Esposito admitted. “The 2-1 and the 3-1 came one after the other and that gave us the final blow. We weren’t able to create enough or react after that. 

It’s definitely a heavy defeat, but we’re lucky to have another opportunity. We have to forget it quickly and think about Lecce. Qualification is still very possible.”

Credit to the opponents, no excuses

Esposito rejected the idea that Inter Milan approached the game with the wrong mentality.

“I don’t think it was an attitude problem. This is a strong team, even if maybe they don’t have a huge name yet. 

At home they’ve won many games in Europe. Maybe they are underestimated, but they are strong and organised. We have to give them credit, even if we could have done better.”

The forward also pointed the finger at himself. “I’m not happy with my performance either. I could have done much better.”

A goal overshadowed by the result

Esposito’s strike briefly brought Inter Milan level and reignited hope, especially after a positive reaction that led to the 1-1. 

He also highlighted a key second-half moment: “We started well again after the break, we had Lautaro’s shot that hit the post. 

Then we have to be honest, they did well to score the 2-1 and 3-1 in quick succession. We tried to reopen the match, but we couldn’t find the net.”

On Lautaro’s condition, Esposito added cautiously: “I came straight here, so I don’t know yet. We hope it’s nothing serious. He’s a fundamental player for us, he’s the captain.”

As for his goal, the young striker kept perspective: “For a forward, scoring is always a joy. But today it has to be put aside. We need to focus on the team performance and the negative result.”

Inter Milan now turn the page quickly. The defeat stings, but the tie remains open and the response, as Esposito made clear, must arrive immediately.

Source: Fcinter1908