Inter Milan Starlet ‘The Ideal Partner’ For In-Form French Striker After ‘Enchanting’ Ajax Performance | OneFootball

The Italian press have been full of praise for Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito after he made his Champions League debut against Ajax on Wednesday.

The young Italian striker was called into the team to replace Lautaro Martinez and worked hard to justify head coach Cristian Chivu’s faith in him.

Lautaro had been struggling with fitness since his return from international duty.

The Argentine appeared leggy against Juventus in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia defeat.

Therefore, Chivu dropped him for the midweek clash against Ajax.

Esposito stepped into the team and covered more distance than any other player on the pitch.

Italian Media Impressed By Inter Milan Youngster Pio Esposito In Ajax Victory

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano arrives at the stadium. Prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport praised the Italian starlet particularly highly.

Following the win, the newspaper wrote that “Pio enchanted everyone against Ajax.”

They continue, writing that the youngster is the “ideal partner for an already unstoppable” Marcus Thuram.

The rise of Pio Esposito is good news for Cristian Chivu.

Last summer, Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi was Inter’s third choice forward but the former Porto man struggled.

This summer, Greek side Olympiacos signed Taremi and Pio Esposito stepped up into the Nerazzurri first team.