Italy U21 Coach Praises Prodigious Inter Milan Striker’s Talent: “Right He Plays With Azzurri First Team” | OneFootball

Italy U21 head coach Silvio Baldini recognizes the burgeoning talent of Azzurri starlet Francesco Pio Esposito.

Speaking to TMW Radio via FCInterNews, Baldini praised the 20-year-old’s meteoric rise in the past 12 months.

Indeed, the prodigious striker finished runner-up to Armand Lauriente in the scoring charts in Serie B last season.

Despite attracting plenty of interest in the summer, the youngster has stayed at San Siro.

Furthermore, new manager Cristian Chivu insisted on keeping Esposito on the board amid lucrative proposals.

Therefore, Inter Milan turned down Napoli’s substantial €40 million offer for the highly-rated center-forward.

Although he has yet to score this season, Esposito’s performances have drawn plenty of plaudits.

Chivu has demonstrated his faith in the young gun, handing him back-to-back starts in the Champions League and Serie A.

More importantly, Esposito did not disappoint his manager.

Italy U21 Boss Silvio Baldini Praises of Azzurri Talent Francesco Pio Esposito

L’AQUILA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy U18 celebrates after scoring opening goal during the International Friendly Match between Italy U18 and Serbia U18 at Stadio Gran Sasso d’Italia on September 21, 2022 in L’Aquila, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

In addition to making waves in his maiden Serie A season, Esposito made his senior debut for Italy in September.

Indeed, new coach Gennaro Gattuso gave him is first call-up earlier this month.

Moreover, Esposito came off the bench in Italy’s 5-0 demolition of Estonia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Meanwhile, Baldini admits the time has come for Esposito to leave the youth sector and join the senior squad.

“He would be an added value, but since he’s talented, he needs to move up to the senior team,” he claimed.

“Our role is to prepare these players to express their talent and step into the senior national team.

“We are a reservoir, not a team for experimenting anymore.”

Esposito may drop to the bench this weekend, with Lautaro Martinez back from a minor back injury.

As such, El Toro could take the teenager’s place in attack.