Inter Milan Legend Urges Gennaro Gattuso To Start Young Striker For Italy Against Bosnia In World-Cup Play-Off | OneFootball

Walter Zenga has backed Pio Esposito to feature prominently for Italy in Tuesday’s World Cup play-off final against Bosnia, with the Inter Milan legend raising doubts over Mateo Retegui’s competitive sharpness while praising the Inter starlet’s versatility.

Speaking on Sky Sport, the former Inter goalkeeper addressed the attacking selection headache facing Gennaro Gattuso directly.

“Pio Esposito adapts well both alongside Mateo Retegui and alongside Moise Kean,” Zenga said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

He acknowledged the loyalty argument for sticking with the established pairing.

“The couple so far has always been Retegui and Kean. We give confidence to those who have brought us to this point, so the choice is complicated.”

Bosnia Vs Italy – Zenga Questions Retegui’s Sharpness And Suggests Inter Starlet Pio Esposito Could Start

However, Zenga could not resist flagging a concern over Retegui’s current form.

“Retegui is playing in a less competitive league and his lack of competitiveness at certain levels shows,” he said.

Indeed, a pointed reference to the Al Qadsiah striker’s club situation.

On Pio Esposito specifically, Zenga stopped short of demanding a start but made his view clear.

“If Pio Esposito started it would not be a scandal, but he can also come on comfortably during the match.”

It is an endorsement that will resonate.