Cagliari 0-2 Inter Milan – Italy Star Defender Hails Prodigious Striker After First Nerazzurri Goal In Serie A: “Unique Qualities” | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni praised his clubmate, Francesco Pio Esposito, after Inter Milan’s 2-0 win at Cagliari on Saturday night.

Speaking to RAI Sport via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old hailed the young striker’s ‘unique qualities.’

Indeed, the talented center-forward replaced Marcus Thuram midway through the second half.

With the game hanging in the balance, Esposito latched onto Federico Dimarco’s cross to make it 2-0 in the 82nd minute.

Esposito’s goal put the match beyond doubt, helping Inter secure an all-important second consecutive win in Serie A.

Furthermore, the former Spezia loanee is now in contention to start in Inter’s Champions League clash against Slavia Prague.

Despite failing to score on his European debut against Ajax, Esposito offered a promising performance in Amsterdam.

As a result, head coach Cristian Chivu is considering handing him another continental start tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the hype surrounding the teenage striker continues to grow.

Inter Milan Ace Alessandro Bastoni Heaps Praise on Francesco Pio Esposito

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Bastoni recognizes Esposito’s burgeoning talent.

However, he has urged his young teammate to keep both feet firmly on the ground.

“We’ve all seen the qualities he has, and you’re recognizing them too,” Bastoni admitted. “I’m happy for his first goal.

“He’s finally unlocked himself. Now he can give us a big hand here at Inter and with the national team, because he has unique qualities.

“But he needs to stay calm, he’s only 20. He’s definitely ready, but he needs to keep working and stay grounded.”

Despite his young age, Esposito is already staking a claim for a regular starting berth at San Siro.

Tomorrow, he could make his second consecutive start in the Champions League.

Fresh off netting his maiden Serie A goal, the youngster will likely be keen to get on the board at Europe’s top table.