Let`s take a look at Francesco Pio Esposito, Inter Milan`s promising young striker. He recently scored the crucial opening goal in Inter`s 2-0 victory over River Plate, a result that secured their progression to the round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup. Esposito is a product of Inter`s own youth system, having developed with the club since the age of eight until 2023. He had also previously worked under the guidance of Inter`s current coach, Cristian Chivu, during his youth career.
Esposito spent the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons gaining valuable experience on loan at Spezia. During his time there, he showcased his potential by netting 22 goals across 79 appearances. This performance ensured Inter kept a close watch on his progress, always intending to bring him back, viewing him as a prospective future star for the team.
Born in 2005, Pio Esposito is approaching his 20th birthday. His impactful goal against River Plate in his first senior appearance for the club he grew up supporting suggests that his opportunity to shine at the highest level might be arriving sooner than anticipated.
Francesco is the youngest of three Esposito brothers, all of whom progressed through the Inter academy. While his older brother Sebastiano, who had a spell with Inter`s senior team under Antonio Conte (2019-20) and is also participating in the current FIFA Club World Cup, is expected to depart the Nerazzurri in summer 2025, and Salvatore currently plays for Spezia, Pio`s immediate future remains somewhat uncertain.
Upon returning from his loan at Spezia, speculation arose that he might be loaned out again to a Serie A team for the 2025-26 season to secure more consistent first-team action. However, his decisive goal against River Plate has the potential to significantly alter the club`s plans regarding his short-term future.
Cristian Chivu, a former Inter player who won the Champions League in 2010 and has now taken the managerial reins from Simone Inzaghi, knows Esposito well from his time coaching in the youth setup. This existing relationship could help Pio Esposito find a role within the current senior squad, even with Inter likely looking to sign at least one more forward following the exits of Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic, and with Mehdi Taremi`s future still under review.
The team`s primary attacking options remain captain Lautaro Martinez and French international Marcus Thuram. It is reported that Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny is set to join as an additional backup option in attack, potentially alongside Taremi if he stays. In recent seasons, Inter has sometimes lacked reliable depth in attack when their main strikers were unavailable. Pio Esposito could unexpectedly emerge as a solution to this problem.
The test for Esposito now will be to consistently perform at the high level he demonstrated against River Plate. He impressed not just with his goal, which highlighted his finishing ability, but also with his hold-up play and work rate throughout the match, until he was replaced by his brother Sebastiano in the 83rd minute. While Esposito proved his talent at Spezia, the big question was whether he could replicate that form for Inter`s senior side, and so far, he has done just that.
Inter`s management and coach Chivu face a crucial decision regarding his development: Should he be sent out on loan again to further his experience before returning, or is he already prepared for the intense pressure of playing at the top level with the senior team? Based on his initial performances, Esposito appears ready to stay and compete for a place.
Benedict Kingsley