Pio Esposito: ‘I play my game, no matter the level’ after Champions League debut | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito was unfazed by his Champions League debut against Ajax, the Inter striker assuring ‘this is my game and how I play’ at any level.

The Nerazzurri youth academy product stepped in for injured captain Lautaro Martinez at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam this evening, and while Marcus Thuram scored both goals from corner kicks, Esposito looked like a veteran.

Esposito begins a new era for Inter

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“We are at the top level here, but when I step onto the field, I try to play with my strengths, work for the team and show my physicality, whether it’s in Serie B, Serie A or the Champions League. This is my game and how I play,” Esposito told Sky Sport Italia.

The centre-forward has been compared to Italy’s 2006 World Cup winner Luca Toni, but is perhaps a little young to remember him.

“I always loved Edin Dzeko and was fortunate enough to see him in training when I was in the Inter youth team. He plays for the team first, then to score goals. My teammates are top class, as Marcus proved again today, so I try to learn from everyone in each session.”

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

In the Sky Sport Italia studio, Fabio Capello asked the striker where he feels that he can improve the most and what his best strengths are.

“I am working every day to improve my change of pace, as that is something where I’ve always been weaker. I am only 20, so I think I can improve more or less everywhere, but that is the one that most concerns me.

“My strengths are protecting the ball and working with the team.”

It has been quite the last few months for Esposito, one of three professional football playing brothers, as he made his senior Italy debut and scored for Inter in the FIFA Club World Cup.