Francesco Pio Esposito shines vs River Plate: Inter Milan plans to keep him

Just days before turning 20, Pio Esposito scores and dominates against River Plate. Inter Milan sees him as a key part of the future squad

Just two days before his 20th birthday, Francesco Pio Esposito captivated fans and pundits alike during the clash between Inter Milan and River Plate, a decisive match for Club World Cup round-of-16 qualification. 

Not only did he score the opening goal, but he also delivered a mature, selfless, and technically sound performance.

"The beauty of a debutant is when he plays, scores, and already thinks like someone made for Inter Milan. And here he will stay," wrote Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908.

"There's no doubt this was Pio’s night—the youngest of the three Esposito brothers—thanks to the importance and quality of his goal, but also his overall contribution: sacrifice, resilience, smart movement alongside Lautaro, and excellent ball control."

The article continues:

"Taking your chance is the job of a striker—and especially of young players like Pio (and Valentin Carboni, also on the scoresheet vs Urawa)—who must show they’re ready. Whether he’s the fourth or fifth forward doesn’t matter. 

Inter Milan doesn’t have another player with his traits. The club is not putting him on the market either, as players like Bonny or Højlund are different profiles. And having a coach who’s known him since the U14 team certainly helps."

There’s even a comparison to a past legend:

"Pio reminds people of Luca Toni—though he’s shorter," noted Chivu off the record, "and more technical." Possibly even more powerful physically, as shown by his celebration—flexing muscles that served him well in battles with River’s rugged defenders. The same celebration he showed 19 times in Serie B last season before losing the playoff with Cremonese.

Who is Francesco Pio Esposito as a player?

Francesco Pio Esposito is a complete center-forward with a rare combination of physical strength, technical ability, and tactical intelligence. 

Unlike many strikers his age, he excels not only at finishing but also at holding up play, linking with teammates, and absorbing pressure from defenders. 

He reads the game well, makes mature decisions in the final third, and shows a surprising level of composure for someone just entering his twenties.

Though he draws comparisons to Luca Toni for his power, Esposito is notably more mobile, more technical, and more involved in build-up play. 

His movement off the ball, particularly in tandem with more experienced forwards like Lautaro Martínez, hints at a natural understanding of space and timing.