Pio Esposito: ‘I’m happy to help Italy’ and guide newcomers | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito is ‘happy to have helped’ scoring Italy’s winner against Luxembourg and already feels like an old hand compared to his teammates today.

The Azzurri had an almost completely revamped squad for this evening’s test at the Stade de Luxembourg, with eight debutants in the starting XI and a total 15 making their first appearances by the final whistle.

However, the scorer of the only goal was the Inter striker, who was already on his eighth senior appearance for the Nazionale.

Esposito an old hand at 21

The starting XI for Italy against Luxembourg (@Azzurri)

“I am happy to have helped the team bring home the result. Even if it’s a friendly, we took it very seriously and with the utmost effort,” Pio Esposito told RAI Sport.

The Nerazzurri centre-forward has a remarkably tally for the Nazionale at senior level, with four goals in eight senior caps.

“When I set foot on the pitch, I try to give my all, not just in scoring goals, but trying to be of service to my teammates,” he assured.

“It was a wonderful thing to be near my teammates on their debuts. I was in their shoes a few months ago, it we great to see their emotion in the build-up, and when they came onto the pitch.”

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Francesco Pio Esposito shows his dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Although this was a very experimental Italy side, the results of these friendly matches will still count towards the FIFA ranking, and they need all the help they can get.

“We have a lot of responsibility because we wear the Italy shirt. It is true that we are young, but I think we are valid players and need to prove ourselves one game at a time.”