Inter Milan Starlet Back In Italy Line-Up Vs Norway As French Press Hail Him As ‘The Great Hope Of Italian Football’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan forward Francesco Pio Esposito is set to start for Italy against Norway tonight, replacing the injured Moise Kean and partnering Mateo Retegui in attack.

The Inter Milan striker, who has already scored twice in four appearances for the Azzurri, will play at San Siro, a stadium he now calls home.

French outlet L’Equipe have dedicated a detailed profile to the young forward, describing him as “the great hope of Italian football.”

The newspaper highlights his rise under Christian Chivu, with quotes via FCInter1908.

L’Equipe Hail Inter & Italy Starlet Pio Esposito

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The Romanian first coached him in Inter’s youth system before promoting him to the senior setup when he took over.

“He immersed himself in a tough environment and rose to the challenge,” writes L’Equipe.

“A month later, Gennaro Gattuso called him up to the senior Italy team. After scoring against Estonia and Moldova. Esposito now has as many goals for Italy as he does for Inter this season.”

Having scored on his second international appearance, Esposito is now chasing his third goal for the national team.

Indeed, a first goal at San Siro is on the line – his goals for Inter coming on the road.