Inter starlet Pio Esposito wins Best Italian Golden Boy award | OneFootball

Inter’s young striker Francesco Pio Esposito has capped off his remarkable rise by winning the Best Italian Golden Boy award, handed out by Tuttosport to the best Italian player under the age of 21.

The 20-year-old has already impressed in the Champions League and Serie A this season, with Inter coach Cristian Chivu trusting him to make an impact at key moments.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has also added him to his plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Francesco Pio Esposito celebrates his first senior Italy goal against Estonia (@azzurri)

“This is only the beginning,” wrote Tuttosport in announcing the award, and for Esposito, that sentiment rings true.

Pio Esposito earns Vieri comparisons after Italian Golden Boy award

The forward has responded with maturity and determination every time he’s been called upon, earning comparisons to former Italy star Christian Vieri.

Born in 2005, Esposito has risen through Inter’s youth ranks with a mix of strength and composure.

Francesco Pio Esposito & Ange-Yoan Bonny ( @inter )

Last season, he exploded at Spezia in Serie B, scoring 17 goals, the most by an Italian player under 20 since 1991, before returning to Inter, where he netted in the Club World Cup before the season even began.

Gattuso has also praised his attitude with the Azzurri: “He fights for every ball like it’s the last. He’s disciplined, humble and eager to learn: the kind of player every coach wants.”