Ex Italy Coach Heaps Praise On Inter Milan Prodigious Striker: “Gives Me Hope For The Future” | OneFootball

Former Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has spoken highly of Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito.

During an interview with RAI 2 via FCInterNews, Spalletti waxed lyrical about the prodigious center-forward.

After a superb breakout season at Spezia, the 20-year-old returns to San Siro as an established goalscorer.

Despite fierce competition for places at Inter, Esposito may have a prominent role next season.

Indeed, new manager Cristian Chivu has already made it clear he plans to hand the young gun a chance to prove his worth.

Therefore, the Serie A runners-up have fended off numerous offers for their sought-after striker.

Esposito will likely play second fiddle to Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

However, it’s hard to rule him out as a potential starter, especially if the former fails to regain form.

Meanwhile, he looks set for a major role in Italy’s national team.

Former Italy Coach Luciano Spalletti Praises Inter Milan Youngster Francesco Pio Esposito

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano arrives at the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“I watched Pio Esposito play and he gives me hope for the future,” Spalletti said.

“For my time as national coach, I have one regret, which is not having brought anyone up from Serie B.

“If I could go back, I would call someone from the second division.”

In addition to Esposito, Spalletti mentioned Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni during his interview.

“I had called some already, like Giovanni Leoni,” he said.

Leoni has been on Inter’s radar since the start of the summer. However, Parma’s €40 million price tag has slowed the Nerazzurri down.

Meanwhile, Spalletti offered his verdict on next season’s Serie A title race.

“The favorites are the usual: Napoli, Inter, Milan, and Juventus.

“However, I hope there will be some teams that manage to get into the race, like Roma and Lazio.

“I’m happy about the return of Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri, and I have great respect for both.

“I’m curious to see what Gian Piero Gasperini will do away from home in an important setting like Roma.

“Napoli has strong foundations; the club has done an excellent job. They are the favorites.”