Cristian Chivu demanded that his Inter team rediscover their killer instinct in the final third after making hard work of their 2-1 victory over Sassuolo on Sunday. 

Federico Dimarco had given Inter a deserved lead in the 14th minute after rounding off a brilliant free-flowing move with a composed finish past Arijanet Muric. 

But the Nerazzurri had their chances in the first half, with Marcus Thuram forcing Muric into a smart stop at his near post before Francesco Pio Esposito fired over soon after. 

That profligacy in front of goal looked set to go unpunished when Carlos Augusto's strike deflected off Tarik Muharemovic in the 81st minute to double their advantage. 

However, Inter were forced to navigate a nervy final few moments after Walid Cheddira halved the deficit, with Domenico Berardi coming close to an equaliser late on. 

But Chivu's side were able to hold on, picking up their 14th win in Serie A in 2025. Only Roma (18) have won more games in the top-flight this calendar year. 

Inter have also scored the most goals in Serie A this year (45), and Chivu wants his team to be more clinical in attack to avoid the scenario they experienced against Sassuolo. 

"The positives are the victory, as we really needed this, and it was also a good performance," Chivu told DAZN Italia.

"We could've killed the game off earlier, but we were up against a goalkeeper having a remarkable night. The most important thing was to win tonight. 

"When they score late on, inevitably that creates tension, but we tried to play our football and create chances. We suffered to the end and that's a good thing.

"I think the team can do better, we can move the ball faster, attack the space better, though obviously it’s not easy when the opposition sits deep in defence. 

“We showed character, determination, the right attitude, and there was some quality too.

"We created the opportunities to seal the win earlier, but the goalkeeper made so many good saves."

Inter youngster Pio Esposito also had an industrious display in his second consecutive start for Inter, registering more shots (four) than any of his team-mates. 

The striker had one of the game's better chances with Inter a goal ahead, connecting sweetly to an overhead kick which Muric did sensationally to repel down to his left. 

And Chivu was pleased with the 20-year-old's efforts, but revealed that Pio Esposito is still trying to perfect his partnership with Thuram up front. 

"He gave a response on the field, both in Amsterdam and tonight," Chivu said. 

"Despite being so young, he handles the pressure well, he can also handle the physical duel on the pitch, and works hard for the team. I’m very pleased with how he is doing. 

"It was a debate in Amsterdam, as Marcus Thuram was holding up the ball and Pio was picking up the rebounds, whereas I told them it ought to be the other way around.

"He knows how to play with his back to goal and hold off defenders.

"The strikers complete each other. Ange Bonny is also doing very well and can do a bit of everything. It means all four forwards can work together."