“Inter Milan Starlet Is A Mix Of Toni & Vieri” – Di Biagio Full Of Praise For Nerazzurri Youngster | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan midfielder Luigi Di Biagio has heaped praise on Francesco Pio Esposito, insisting that the young striker has the mentality and maturity to thrive at the highest level, comparing him to former Italian strikers Toni and Vieri.

“I’ve known him since he was in the Under-15s, and I can confirm he’s a boy who never shows the wrong attitude,” Di Biagio told Libero, via FCInterNews.

“Everyone at Inter believes in him. For me, he’s a mix between Toni and Vieri – and those two weren’t playing for Inter at 20 like Pio is today.”

The former Italy midfielder stressed that the teenager’s success has not gone to his head.

“There’s no risk he gets carried away. He only thinks about football.”

Meanwhile, Pio Esposito settled quickly into the Inter first team after his promotion in the summer.

Therefore, the young forward is seen as a perfect replacement for Lautaro Martinez, should the captain be unavailable.

Meanwhile, summer signing Ange-Yoan Bonny has been identified as the ideal back-up for Marcus Thuram.

After Toni & Vieri Comparisons For Pio, Di Biagio Praises Chivu At Inter

BRESCIA, ITALY – JULY 19: Spal coach Luigi Di Biagio looks on during the Serie A match between Brescia Calcio and SPAL at Stadio Mario Rigamonti on July 19, 2020 in Brescia, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Di Biagio also reserved warm words for Cristian Chivu, praising the coach’s work both at Parma and at Inter.

“People are wrong to treat Cristian as a newcomer.

“He knows every corner of Appiano, he’s incredibly intelligent, and his personality stands out.

“Results will tell the rest, but I’m confident he’ll succeed.”

Both Pio Esposito and Chivu embody “Inter’s blend of humility and ambition” that continues to drive the club forward.

Inter now look ahead to some key fixtures in the coming weeks.

On Saturday, the Nerazzurri travel to the capital to take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Then, they face a tricky Champions League test against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise before a match against Antonio Conte’s Napoli.