Pio Esposito: ‘Inter regrets, but we must unite for Italy’ | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito has ‘regrets’ despite scoring in Inter’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina and sends a message to fans ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off.

It was a chaotic and thrilling encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this evening, getting off to the most remarkable start when Esposito scored within 40 seconds with a free header on Nicolò Barella’s cross.

Both teams had goals disallowed for offside before Cher Ndour was ready to turn in the rebound from a Yann Sommer save on Albert Gudmundsson.

Pio Esposito flourishing for Inter

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“I do leave here with regrets, especially over the last opportunity,” Esposito told DAZN Italia, referring to the stoppage-time David De Gea save on his turn.

“De Gea did well to anticipate my movement, perhaps I could’ve done more, but that’s just how it went.”

There aren’t many centre-forwards with Esposito’s characteristics who are Italian, especially now Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca is injured.

“I think that getting into the box and getting my head to the ball is my main strength, so I am always happy when the team provides me with great crosses, like the one from Barella.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

This result means Milan are now within six points of leaders Inter, while Napoli are only seven points behind the Nerazzurri with eight rounds to go.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina are in 16th place, but only two points clear of both Lecce and Cremonese in the drop zone.

Francesco Pio Esposito scores for Italy against Moldova in the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)

Esposito is now going to make the very short trip, circa 2km from the Stadio Artemio Franchi, to the Coverciano training camp to join up with Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad.

Does he have a message for the fans ahead of the decisive 2026 World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland?

“I urge everyone to put club loyalty aside and unite for the good of Italy. The Nazionale play on Thursday, and that is the most important thing.”

If Italy win that game, they will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.