Francesco Pio Esposito, the 20-year-old Inter Milan striker, made a remarkable Champions League debut against Ajax, stepping in for the injured captain Lautaro Martinez. Despite the high-stakes environment, Esposito displayed a veteran-like composure and adaptability.
A New Era for Inter Milan
Following the match, Esposito shared his thoughts with the media: “Regardless of whether it`s Serie B, Serie A, or the Champions League, I approach each game with the same mindset. I focus on utilizing my strengths, contributing to the team, and showcasing my physical abilities. This is my style of play, and it remains consistent across all levels.”
The young forward, who has drawn comparisons to Italy`s 2006 World Cup champion Luca Toni, expressed admiration for Edin Dzeko. “I`ve always been a fan of Dzeko and was fortunate to observe him during training sessions when I was part of Inter`s youth setup. His ability to prioritize team play while still scoring goals is impressive. I strive to learn from all my teammates, especially world-class players like Marcus Thuram, who demonstrated his skills today.”
When asked about areas for improvement, Esposito showed self-awareness: “I`m constantly working on enhancing my change of pace, as it`s an aspect where I`ve traditionally been weaker. At 20, I believe there`s room for improvement in nearly all areas of my game, but this is my primary focus.”
Reflecting on his strengths, Esposito highlighted his ball retention skills and team-oriented play. The past few months have been transformative for the young striker, who is one of three professional football-playing brothers in his family. His recent achievements include making his senior debut for the Italian national team and scoring for Inter in the FIFA Club World Cup.