Ominous Trend – Inter Milan Starlet’s Breakthrough On Grand Stage Comes Too Late By European Standards | OneFootball

Inter Milan’s rising star, Francesco Pio Esposito, has established himself as one of the hottest young talents in Europe, let alone Serie A.

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 20-year-old’s meteoric rise comes a little late by European standards.

Last season’s remarkable loan spell at Spezia put Francesco Pio Esposito on the map.

However, the teenage striker had to wait until the start of this season to make his senior breakthrough at San Siro.

Inter Milan Starlet Francesco Pio Esposito Lags Behind Elite European Teenagers

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite his impressive performances, Esposito’s emergence has come late by European standards.

For comparison, Kylian Mbappe was in his second season at Paris Saint-Germain at the same age.

Moreover, the Frenchman was the leading figure of PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph that year, netting an eye-catching 26 goals.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix joined Atletico Madrid for a staggering €120 million transfer fee before turning 20.

Elsewhere, Erling Haaland was averaging 41 goals per season at Borussia Dortmund at 20.

Finally, Jude Bellingham scored 23 goals for Real Madrid upon his mega-money move from Die Borussen.

Therefore, Esposito’s emergence trails the meteoric progress of Europe’s elite youngsters.