Ex Inter Milan Striker Offers Nerazzurri Prodigy Valuable Piece Of Advice: “Don’t Read The Newspapers” | OneFootball

Nicola Ventola has urged Inter Milan youngster Francesco Pio Esposito to ignore media hype and focus on his development.

Speaking to Viva el Futbol via FCInterNews, the former striker offered the young gun a valuable piece of advice.

Francesco Pio Esposito has come into the spotlight at the start of the season.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has caught everyone’s attention with his dynamic movement and fierce approach.

Despite his young age and a relative lack of top-flight experience, the Italian starlet has excelled.

Trusted to replace Lautaro Martinez in the last two matches, Esposito lived up to his potential.

Although he failed to score against Ajax and Sassuolo, his energy and tactical prowess left a telling impression.

There’s no longer any doubt – Esposito is a star in the making.

However, a significant media pressure could be counterproductive, considering he is still a teenager.

Therefore, Ventola hopes Esposito stays focus on his growth and cancels out off-field distractions.

Nicola Ventola Offers Piece of Advice to Inter Milan Starlet 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)

During his recent interview, Ventola spoke directly to Esposito.

“I want to say something to Pio Esposito,” he said. “Please, if you listen to me, don’t read the newspapers.

“You read so many nonsensical things, there’s too much pressure. And this only happens in Italy.

“I see too many comparisons – he’s like Toni, he’s like that other player… Let him grow.

“I also scored five goals in five games with Inter when I was twenty. You feel these things if you’re not mentally strong.”

In addition to praising Esposito’s mental strength, Ventola told the media to let the prodigious striker grow at his own pace.

“I hope Pio is mentally strong because people are overhyping him.

“The boy is talented, but he needs to be left alone.

“Both the club and Chivu speak highly of him, but things can change in an instant if he stops scoring for a number of games.”