Ex Inter Milan Manager Hails Italy Prodigy Amid Superb Start At San Siro: “I’m Not Surprised” | OneFootball

Andrea Stramaccioni has heaped praise on highly rated Inter Milan starlet Francesco Pio Esposito.

Speaking to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 49-year-old admitted that Esposito’s meteoric rise doesn’t surprise him.

Francesco Pio Esposito has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in European football, let alone Serie A.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has hit the ground running since returning to San Siro from a season-long loan at Spezia.

Furthermore, new Inter manager Cristian Chivu has shown significant trust in the Italian center-forward.

Esposito has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and adding two assists.

Meanwhile, he also netted his first senior goal for Italy during the last international break.

It’s equally worth mentioning that he opened his account in the Champions League against Royale Union SG.

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that many consider him among Europe’s most promising young strikers.

Andrea Stramaccioni Unsurprised by Pio Esposito Rise to Stardom at Inter Milan

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale looks on during the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I said after his goal against River Plate this summer,” Stramaccioni started. “Because of how he shields the ball and positions his body, he reminds me a lot of Luca Toni.

“And if you ask me whether I expected it, I tell you absolutely yes.

“The real test was his season at Spezia. If, after a high-level youth path, you perform like that in your first full season as a No.9, it means you have serious quality.

“And I don’t forget that he is in an Inter environment that couldn’t be better for his growth, with Chivu as coach and another young talent like him behind ThuLa.”

Then, Stramaccioni discussed the formidable defensive partnership between Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori.

“They both share a preference for the left foot and the ability to push the ball forward with quality and personality in build-up play.

“However, defensively, I find them functional.

“Alessandro favors duels and marking, Riccardo reads spaces very well – both in anticipation and coverage.

“They are both quick and strong in the air. I like them a lot, both individually and as a central pair.”