Ex Italy Coach Praises Inter Milan & Italy Breakout Star: ‘He Reminds Me Of Christian Vieri” | OneFootball

Former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti says that Azzurri and Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito reminds him of Christian Vieri.

The ex-Napoli, Roma, and Inter coach spoke at a public event, via FCInterNews.

Striker Francesco Pio Esposito enjoyed a coronation as an Italy player yesterday.

The 20-year-old Inter striker scored his first ever senior goal for the Azzurri. He came off the bench, and scored the third goal to round off a 3-1 win over Estonia.

This came just a couple of weeks after Pio Esposito had scored his first ever Serie A goal. He scored for Inter in a league win over Cagliari.

Pio Esposito’s goals and performances have won him comparisons to a number of top strikers for Italy from over the years.

One is ex-Fiorentina, Juventus, and Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni. And another is iconic former striker Christian Vieri, who like Pio Esposito was marked out by his height, strength, pace, explosiveness, and instinctive finishing.

Spalletti: “Pio Esposito Reminds Me Of Vieri”

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti, who stepped down as Italy coach this summer, noted that “now we have Pio Esposito” in attack.

“He’s become a truly impressive player,” said the former coach.

“He gives the sense that eventually we’ll have a player who’s a real master of the penalty area.”

Spalletti noted that “last night he scored an incredible goal.”

“In terms of his coordination, and the way that he got his shot away.”

“He’s a bit similar to Bobo Vieri,” said Spalletti. “He controls every ball that comes to him.”

“I watched him a number of times last season with Spezia,” said the former coach. “And he’s a top player.”