Italy 1-4 Norway – Sassuolo Coach Heaps Praise On Inter Milan Starlet After Maiden San Siro Goal: “He Is Strong” | OneFootball

Sassuolo boss Fabio Grosso praised Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito after last night’s game between Italy and Norway.

Speaking to Radio Anch’io Lo Sport via FCInterNews, the former Nerazzurri left-back hailed the youngster’s performance at San Siro.

Indeed, after opening the scoring in a 2-0 win at Moldova, the 20-year-old fired Italy 1-0 up yesterday.

However, his first-half opener was in vain as Norway engineered a superb second-half comeback.

Stale Solbakken’s side netted four unanswered second-half goals on their way to routing the Azzurri 4-1.

As a result, Gennaro Gattuso’s side finished second in qualifying Group I and will vie for a place in next summer’s tournament via playoffs.

Despite Italy’s dismal defeat, Pio Esposito left a telling impression.

Meanwhile, Alessandro Bastoni came under heavy scrutiny following a dreadful second-half performance.

Sassuolo Manager Fabio Grosso Hails Pio Esposito After Italy 1-4 Norway Loss

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)

“Young and strong, a key player for Inter and the national team,” Grosso stated. “One great thing about our football is that it gives us important insights.

“We always say we need new youngsters, but in fact, they are already there.

“There must be a willingness to give them opportunities to try to rebuild something beautiful.

“What is happening shows us that we need to raise the level. We do that by introducing fresh energy and players who aspire to big stages.”

Then, Grosso delivered his verdict on Sassuolo’s visit to San Siro in September, as his side slipped to a 2-1 loss.

“We went to San Siro at a time when they were still finding their rhythm,” he added. “They allowed us at the end to get back into a game that they deserved to win earlier.”

He also commented on Sassuolo’s matches against Napoli and Roma, comparing them to Inter.

“They are still three strong teams, each with different characteristics, that will fight for the league title until the very end.”