AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Italy Starlet Ready To Demonstrate Worth In First Milan Derby Start | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito is ready for his biggest moment yet in an Inter Milan shirt as Sunday’s derby will mark the first time the Italy youngster starts a senior Milan derby.

The Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, believe he has everything needed to make it a night to remember.

The 2005-born forward’s history with this fixture is limited.

He made a five-minute cameo in the first leg this season.

And, indeed, previously faced Milan twice in the Primavera and twice at under-17 level.

In these games, he scored twice and added an assist across those four encounters.

Milan Vs Inter – Pio Esposito Determined To Prove Himself

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The senior stage is a different beast entirely, but Esposito’s trajectory this season suggests he is more than ready.

After scoring his first goals in Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, he also experienced what it means to score against a big club when he netted against Juventus.

That moment accelerated his development in a way that cannot be taught.

Now he carries the same hunger into the derby.

According to Corriere, his physicality will be a key weapon.

His ability to occupy space and hold up play in tight defensive lines should create openings for those around him, and his presence at set pieces adds another dimension to Inter’s threat.

“He has the qualities to give himself another magical night,” the outlet write, “and to crown the dream that all Inter fans are chasing right now.”

Chivu knows his young striker better than anyone.

Nobody is more aware of what Esposito can deliver, and on Sunday, he will need him to deliver it.