Goalscorer Francesco Pio Esposito Hails De Gea After Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Milan Draw: “Did Well On That Final Chance” | OneFootball

Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito praised Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea after tonight’s 1-1 draw at Artemio Franchi.

Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, the young center-forward hailed the Spanish veteran’s last-ditch save to rescue a point for La Viola.

With AC Milan and Napoli both winning earlier this weekend, Inter desperately needed three points to maintain their cushion at the top of the table.

However, Cristian Chivu was not in the dugout, as he had to serve a one-game suspension for last weekend’s touchline tantrum.

Moreover, Serie A’s top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, was unavailable despite returning to training earlier this week.

Francesco Pio Esposito stepped up in El Toro’s absence to open the scoring in the first minute of the game.

Indeed, it was the Italian prodigy’s sixth goal in Serie A this season.

Furthermore, the 20-year-old has now scored in back-to-back league appearances for the first time in the 2025/26 campaign.

Still, Cher Ndour undid Esposito’s heroics in the 77th minute, leveling the score after being left unmarked inside the six-yard box.

Unfortunately for Inter, De Gea made a stunning save to deny Esposito’s late attempt to restore Inter’s lead.

Pio Esposito Praises De Gea After Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Milan Draw

“The match has just ended, and there’s regret about the last chance,” Esposito said after the game. “Credit to De Gea for getting there first – maybe I could’ve done more, but that’s how it went.”

“I thank Luca Toni for his kind words – he’s always been a source of inspiration for me. Hopefully it comes on Thursday.”

Meanwhile, he reflected on his celebration with Nicolo Barella.

“Top players like Nicolò recognize their teammates’ qualities. I think attacking the box and heading the ball are my main strengths, and I’m happy the team provides me with quality crosses.”

Moreover, he sent a message to Italy fans ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff tie against Northern Ireland.

“Yes – I’d say put club loyalties aside and come together for Italy. The national team plays on Thursday, and that’s what matters most.”

In the meantime, speaking to Inter TV via FCInterNews, Esposito praised Fiorentina for playing a ‘great’ game.

“Fiorentina played a great game tonight, and the result was the fairest,” Esposito admitted. “I don’t feel like the leader, but I always try to give my best and give everything for this team.

“We started really strong with the kind of approach we needed. We immediately showed a great desire to win, but Fiorentina was smart in controlling a lot of the field and did well to equalize.”

Finally, he confirmed that he cannot wait to play for Italy this week.

“I’m going with all the motivation in the world to achieve the goal and represent my country at my best.”