Ex Inter Milan & Fiorentina Defender Urges Nerazzurri To Protect Young Star “Even If He Doesn’t Score For 10 Games” | OneFootball

Daniele Adani has urged Inter Milan to use every tool at their disposal to ‘protect’ their rising star Francesco Pio Esposito.

Interviewed by Corriere della Sera via FCInterNews, Adani called for patience amid the youngster’s scoring drought.

Indeed, the 20-year-old made waves in Serie B, with only Armand Lauriente eclipsing his 17-goal tally.

Furthermore, Esposito’s superb form at Stadio Alberto Picco didn’t go unnoticed.

Several top clubs in Serie A and abroad approached the Nerazzurri to discuss the young striker’s future in the summer.

However, Cristian Chivu demanded that Esposito remain at Inter to continue his development.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri turned down several lucrative offers for the Italian center-forward.

Among others, Inter rejected Napoli’s substantial €40 million bid.

Moreover, Chivu has lived up to his pre-season promise, handing Esposito plenty of first-team opportunities.

Daniele Adani Urges Inter Milan to Protect Francesco Pio Esposito

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Adani is adamant that Esposito deserves the benefit of the doubt.

“He has strength, he’s developed technically, and he has earned his spot,” Adani said.

“But we need to protect him even if he doesn’t score for ten games; even though it’s tough at Inter.

“These ten games of growth could be useful for the World Cup.”

Then, the former Fiorentina defender delivered his verdict on Chivu’s stuttering start at San Siro.

However, he warned the 44-year-old of the intense pressure that comes with the job.

“He’s in a middle phase,” Adani added. “he shows that he’s upright, that he has ideas, but he still doesn’t know how to impose himself to show who he really is.

“He feels he belongs, but he still needs to make the leap.

“And he wants to do it while respecting those who chose him, perhaps with too much trust, and those who left him the team.

“I don’t see him as doubtful; I see him as reflective. But at Inter, there isn’t much time.”