Keep an eye on Francesco Pio Esposito, Inter`s emerging striker. He recently drew attention by scoring the crucial opening goal in Inter`s 2-0 victory over River Plate, securing their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday. Esposito is a product of Inter`s own youth academy, joining at age eight and progressing through the ranks until 2023. He has previously worked under Inter`s current coach, Cristian Chivu.
He was then loaned to Spezia for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, where he showcased significant potential, netting 22 goals in 79 appearances over two years. This consistent performance kept him on Inter`s radar as a potential future star, prompting their desire to bring him back.
Born in 2005, Pio Esposito is nearing his 20th birthday. His decisive goal against River Plate, in what was essentially his return to the senior squad of his boyhood club, suggests that his future might not be far off – perhaps even now.
Esposito is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom came through the Inter academy. His brother Sebastiano, who also played for Inter`s first team from 2019 to 2020 under Antonio Conte and featured in the current FIFA Club World Cup, is anticipated to depart the club in the summer of 2025. The middle brother, Salvatore, currently plays for Spezia. Pio`s immediate future remains less clear.
Following his return from loan at Spezia, there were suggestions he might move to another Serie A club for the 2025-26 season to gain consistent senior playing time. However, his impact against River Plate could significantly alter his short-term prospects at Inter.
Having previously worked with him, former player Cristian Chivu, now in a coaching role at Inter (perhaps overseeing youth development or reserves, given his prior association mentioned earlier), knows Pio Esposito`s abilities well. This relationship could help Esposito carve out a role in the current squad, even as Inter looks to bolster their attacking options. Following the departures of Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic, and with Mehdi Taremi`s future uncertain, the club is likely to sign at least one more forward.
The primary attacking partnership consists of team captain Lautaro Martinez and French international Marcus Thuram. Reports also suggest that Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny is a target to provide depth in attack, potentially alongside Taremi if he remains. In recent seasons, Inter has sometimes struggled for reliable alternatives when either of the main strikers was unavailable. This is where Pio Esposito could potentially emerge as an unexpected solution to provide that needed depth.
The spotlight is now on Esposito. The crucial question is whether he can consistently maintain the high standard he demonstrated so effectively against River Plate. He made a strong impression, not just with his goal showcasing his finishing ability, but also with his ball retention and defensive workrate throughout the match, until his brother Sebastiano came on for him in the 83rd minute. While his talent was evident at Spezia, the real test was whether he could perform at the same level for Inter. So far, he has proven capable.
Inter`s management and coach Chivu face a significant decision: should Esposito be sent out on loan again to further his development, or is he already prepared to be integrated into the senior squad and face the pressure of playing at the top level? Based on his initial performances back at the club, Esposito appears ready to stay.
