Inter Milan Owned Striker Beaming After Four-Goal Haul For Italy U21: ‘Proud To Share Record With Gilardino’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan-owned striker Francesco Pio Esposito is happy to equal a record held by Alberto Gilardino with his four-goal haul for the Italian Under-21 national team.

The 19-year-old spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, after his heroics in a 7-0 victory over San Marino.

Inter-owned striker Pio Esposito certainly caught the eye in yesterday’s Under-21 Euros qualifier between Italy and San Marino.

The teenage striker found the back of the net four times. This ensured that Italy won the match in absolutely resounding fashion.

Pio Esposito has become a key player for the Azzurri at youth team level.

Still just nineteen years of age, he has yet to make his mark at senior level. However, he will certainly be aiming to do that in the future.

And at club level, Pio Esposito is playing on loan at Spezia.

That is also where the Inter striker spent last season on loan. Despite some interest from Serie A over the summer, he returned to Liguria to continue his growth in a familiar enviornment.

Pio Esposito: “Proud To Equal Gilardino Record” For Italy U21

Pio Esposito has marked himself out as a striker who does a lot more than score goals.

The 19-year-old’s height, physicality, and technical ability have made him a reference point for teams in terms of his holdup play.

But against San Marino, Pio Esposito also showed that he knows where the goal is, emphatically.

Previously, only one player had scored four goals in a single match for the Italian Under-21s. That was current Genoa coach Gilardino

Pio Esposito said that he’s “proud” to equal the former striker’s record. “He was one of the top players for the national team, and I admired him as a child.”

Meanwhile, the striker also gave his thoughts on his two brothers, Inter-owned Empoli striker Sebastiano and former Nerazzurri midfielder Salvatore.

“I know that people say I’m the best of the three,” he said.

“But we all love each other. We’re all great players, even if we’re different.”