Legendary AC Milan, Juventus & Roma Coach Praises Nerazzurri Teenage Sensation After Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan: “Impressed Me, Intelligent & Has Great Vision” | OneFootball

Fabio Capello waxed lyrical about Francesco Pio Esposito after Inter Milan’s 2-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the ex-AC Milan and Juventus boss hailed the youngster’s intelligence and vision.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu decided to rest his standout center-forward, Lautaro Martinez, last night.

Troubled by back pain, El Toro stayed on the bench, opening the door for Francesco Pio Esposito to show his worth.

Despite only collecting 22 minutes in Serie A this season, the 20-year-old started the match in Amsterdam.

Indeed, Chivu handed the former Spezia loanee his Champions League debut, and the latter repaid the trust.

Though Marcus Thuram stole the spotlight with a match-winning double, Esposito delivered a promising performance.

Calm and collected in possession, he created all sorts of problems for Ajax’s defensive line with his shrewd movement off the ball.

Therefore, he duly earned Capello’s praise.

Fabio Capello Praises Francesco Pio Esposito After Ajax 0-2 Inter Milan Win

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)

Esposito proved he can perform on Europe’s biggest stage, seamlessly combining with his teammates.

His positioning was spot on, while he was relentless in high press.

“I don’t know him in depth,” Capello said after the game. “I’ve seen him play a few times, but it’s impressive how he moved in sync with Thuram.

“It shows he’s intelligent, knows how to read the game, and positions himself well. That means a lot.

“The most remarkable thing about this player is his ball control.

“He’s fantastic, physically capable of handling the Champions League. Playing with such quality impressed me,” Capello concluded.

With Lautaro in doubt for Inter’s upcoming home game against Sassuolo, Esposito could make his first start in Serie A this weekend.

However, Ange-Yoan Bonny will stake his claim for a place in Chivu’s starting XI.

Indeed, the Frenchman made a late cameo appearance last night, replacing Thuram in the 86th minute.