Ex Fiorentina Defender Sends Message To Erling Haaland Over Bizarre Inter Milan Starlet Claim: “Do You Know Him Now” | OneFootball

Daniele Adani slammed Erling Haaland after the Norwegian star claimed he didn’t know who Francesco Pio Esposito was before facing him.

During the latest episode of Viva El Futbol via FCInterNews, Adani hit back at Haaland over his recent statement about Pio Esposito.

Italy slumped to a woeful 4-1 home loss to Norway in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito got off the mark at San Siro, netting his third senior goal for the Azzurri.

Despite the 20-year-old’s early opener, Stale Solbakken’s side turned the game on its head in the second half.

Indeed, Erling Haaland spearheaded Norway’s stunning comeback, netting a second-half double to inspire his team to a resounding victory.

Yet, the Manchester City superstar made a bizarre pre-match statement, saying he didn’t know how Pio Esposito was.

Meanwhile, the Inter starlet made sure to make the Premier League top scorer take note of him.

Daniele Adani Hits Back at Erling Haaland Over Pio Esposito Remarks

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)

“The day before, Haaland said he didn’t know Pio,” Adani claimed. “But if he plays for Inter and the national team, it means the kid has value.

“My comment works, but I didn’t want to take anything away from Haaland, who is averaging two goals per game in the qualifying group.

“But it’s Pio who deserves to be celebrated, because the best pure No.9 in the world, in a press conference, ‘called him out’ by saying, ‘he’ll come at me after what I said.’

“ Someone who does my job, with irony and maximum respect, has to highlight what happened.

“Otherwise, you just shrug it off and say, ‘oh, what a nice shot, the ball went in. Esposito scored.’

“I try to connect the dots.

“Esposito scored, at San Siro, in front of Haaland, and that’s something that must be emphasized technically, emotionally, and historically.”