‘Pio Esposito Arrives’ – Chivu Key In Breakout Striker’s Rapid Rise With Inter Milan & Italy | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito has “arrived” for Inter Milan and Italy, with his coach Cristian Chivu playing a key role.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They note that Chivu pushed to keep Pio Esposito at the club this summer.

Striker Francesco Pio Esposito had something of a star turn for Italy yesterday against Estonia.

The 20-year-old came off the bench in that World Cup Qualifying clash. And he certainly made an impact, scoring the crucial third goal to wrap up the 3-1 victory for the Azzurri.

This was Pio Esposito’s biggest moment yet in the Italy shirt. Though there is a strong feeling that there is much more to come from the young striker playing for the Azzurri.

Pio Esposito “Arrives” For Inter & Italy – Chivu Key In Young Striker’s Rise

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)

In the meantime, Pio Esposito has also had a rapid ascent for his club Inter.

The 20-year-old got his first real chance for the Nerazzurri at the Club World Cup this summer.

Coach Cristian Chivu included Pio Esposito in the Inter squad for that tournament. This after the striker had massively impressed during two seasons on loan with Spezia in Serie B.

The expectation, in any event, had been that Pio Esposito would go out on loan this season.

There was no doubt that the Italian international needed to gain Serie A experience. But perhaps, he was not quite ready to play for Inter.

However, Pio Esposito’s performances at the Club World Cup were enough to convince Chivu that the young striker was ready to play a role for Inter this season.

The coach has given the 20-year-old plenty of chances for Inter this campaign. Both in the starting eleven and from the bench.

Pio Esposito enjoyed a major watershed moment with his first Serie A goal in Inter’s 2-0 win over Cagliari in the first few matches of the season.

And the striker has now followed it up for his country. There is a strong sense, though, that the best is yet to come.