Keep an eye on the name Francesco Pio Esposito, the promising new striker for Inter Milan. For those unfamiliar, he recently made a significant impact by scoring the crucial opening goal in Inter`s 2-0 victory over River Plate. This win secured Inter`s progression to the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Esposito is a product of Inter`s own youth system, having developed within the club`s academy since he was just eight years old. He even had the opportunity to work under the current head coach, Cristian Chivu, during his time coming through the ranks. Between 2023 and 2025, he gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell at Spezia, where he showcased his potential by netting 22 goals across 79 appearances. This strong performance ensured he remained a key focus for Inter, who viewed him as a potential future star.
Born in 2005, Pio Esposito is approaching his 20th birthday. His impactful goal against River Plate, scored in his first senior appearance since returning to the club he grew up with, suggests that the time for his breakthrough might be now, rather than just a distant future prospect.
Francesco Pio is the youngest of three football-playing brothers, all of whom came through the Inter academy. While his brother Sebastiano, who played for Inter`s senior team from 2019 to 2020 and is also in the current Club World Cup squad, is expected to leave the Nerazzurri in summer 2025, and Salvatore is currently with Spezia, Pio`s path forward remains somewhat unclear. After his return from the Spezia loan, there were rumors he might join another Serie A team for the 2025-26 season to get consistent game time. However, his decisive goal against River Plate could significantly influence the club`s plans for his immediate future.
Crucially, head coach Cristian Chivu has a deep understanding of Esposito`s abilities, perhaps more than any other manager. With the former player and 2010 Champions League winner now leading the team after replacing Simone Inzaghi, Pio Esposito could potentially find a place in the current squad. This is despite Inter likely needing to recruit additional forwards, especially following the departures of Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic, and with Mehdi Taremi`s future still uncertain.
The team`s primary attacking duo consists of captain Lautaro Martinez and French international Marcus Thuram. Reports suggest that Ange-Yoan Bonny, currently at Parma, is likely to join as a backup attacking option, potentially alongside Taremi if he remains at the club. In recent years, Inter has sometimes lacked reliable depth options when one of the two main strikers was unavailable. Pio Esposito`s emergence presents a potentially valuable and perhaps unexpected solution to this issue.
Now, the challenge for Esposito will be to maintain his performance levels under increased pressure. He was highly impressive against River Plate, not only for the skill shown in his goal but also for his work rate and ability to protect the ball for the team throughout the match, until he was substituted by his brother Sebastiano in the 83rd minute. He demonstrated the talent he showed at Spezia, answering the crucial question of whether he could replicate that form at Inter. So far, the answer is yes.
Inter`s management and coach Chivu now face a significant decision regarding his immediate steps: should he be loaned out again to further gain experience before a definite return, or is he already prepared to be tested at the highest level with all the accompanying pressure? Based on his initial appearances with the senior squad, Esposito appears ready to remain with the team.
Dominic Ashworth