While Italy fans were rightfully unconvinced following the first game of Roberto Manciniโs second stint in charge, the Azzurriโs 4-1 win over Turkiye likely went some way toward demonstrating potential and soothing some international doubts.
While there are still slight teething problems within La Nazionaleโs new-look side, one young man who looks destined to be a fixture for years to come is Francesco Pio Esposito. The 21-year-oldโs performance during Monday nightโs win saw him leave the pitch a hero, with both a goal and an assist to his name.
Here, we take note of just how enjoyable he was to watch against the Crescent Stars.
History already in his favour
Amidst an Italy side flooded with fresh faces, Interโs Pio Esposito featured alongside brother Sebastiano as part of eight changes from the Nations Leagueโs opening 2-0 defeat against Belgium.
Becoming the first Italian siblings to play together at international level since 1915 was one thing. But starring the way he did? Magnifico.
With six goals now under his belt in just 11 outings, Italyโs number seven currently boasts an outstanding average of 0.55 goals per game, which is better than Roberto Baggio. Furthermore, his latest strike pushed him beyond the five-goal mark for Italy at the age of 21 years and 92 days.
This means that only two players managed it younger: Giuseppe Meazza (19 years and 261 days) and Gianni Rivera (21 years and 78 days). Talk about keeping good company.
Adept in the build-up and as a focal point
The tall striker worked wonderfully within Manciniโs flowing front three, as the men in blue really impressed in transition in a whirlwind opening 27 minutes.
Alessandro Bastoniโs early opener came largely from Zeki Celik missing a flat corner delivery at his near post. Yet, that set-piece wouldnโt have come if the younger Esposito hadnโt darted off the shoulder and forced Altay Bayindir to tip a low, venomous effort around the left post.
For the second goal on 22โฒ, Pio was part of the eye-catching passing sequence that led to Davide Frattesi tapping home from a saved Michael Kayode effort. Even better, five minutes later, he was the unselfish provider for the debutant Kayode. The Brentford right-backโs finish highlighted Esposito as not only a target forward, but also as a true strikerโs striker.
On the one hand, his imposing frame is something to aim for. Yet, on the other, his deft touch and remarkable spatial awareness allows him to make the passes that he, as a forward, appreciates in the final third. He showed that he can play with a sort of offensive empathy and maturity beyond his years.
Grabbing opportunity with both hands (and his head)
So far in his formative career, Francesco Pio Esposito has shown considerable patience in his development. Two seasons on loan at Spezia saw him steadily hone his skills in Serie B, making good on previous promise with the Nerazzurriโs U19s.
Last season, he was rotated well around Interโs senior team, tallying 50 appearances in all competitions with 11 goals to boot. Seven of those came in 35 Serie A outings. This term, he has already notched two goals in five league games and appears to be on the crest of a wave.
Take his goal, for instance. Turkiye gave away possession in a frenetic early second-half spell after theyโd just scored. This led to a curling Sandro Tonali effort pinging off the post. With Bayindir beaten all ends up, the ricochet fell kindly for Pio, who showed that aforementioned maturity and guile to read the potential for offside. Itโs visible in the replay. He steps back when the shot is taken, and then heads into the vacant net.
Espositoโs rise is great for a huge footballing nation scrambling for answers after three consecutive World Cup qualification failures. Not only does his story exhibit throwbacks to the lanky-yet-cultured posture of Luca Toni and greats before him, but it also shows that chances are there to be taken. This article, and many like it in the Italian sphere, is likely what Mancini wanted as a response to his new approach to selection.
Subsequently, Pioโs impact should be enough to further inspire other new faces like Michael Kayode, Nicolo Cambiaghi, Issa Doumbia, and Alessandro Romano, and more, should the chances for a call-up arise this term.
