Inter Milan Legend Hails ‘Fantastic’ Italy Starlet But Questions Potential Impact Of Nerazzurri Transfer Policy | OneFootball

Walter Zenga praised the rapid rise Pio Esposito at Inter Milan but raised broader questions about how the club’s transfer policy could shape the futures of young Italian players after a failed summer pursuit of Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

Speaking on Sky Sport, via FCInterNews, the former Inter goalkeeper reflected on Esposito’s recent breakthrough, which included his first Serie A goal at San Siro.

Zenga highlighted the striker’s close relationship with Cristian Chivu, pointing out that “his big advantage is that he has known Chivu for many years. He had him in the youth sector, and that has been a huge benefit.”

Zenga Questions Inter Transfer Policy As Club Strike Gold With ‘Fantastic’ Pio Esposito

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Walter Zenga attends The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Zenga then shifted the focus to a hypothetical scenario that, in his view, reveals a wider issue.

“My question has always been: if Lookman had arrived, would Pio have stayed or gone out on loan?” he asked.

He stressed that the point was deliberately provocative, explaining that he believes Italian youngsters often face more obstacles than foreign players when it comes to opportunities at top clubs.

Despite that concern, Zenga offered strong praise for Esposito’s qualities and character.

“He’s a fantastic kid,” the Inter legend said, adding that the striker is also “doing very well with Gattuso’s national team.”

Zenga’s comments underline the balance Inter must strike between investing in established names and protecting pathways for emerging talent.

Esposito’s recent performances suggest he is ready to compete at the highest level, but the debate over how transfer decisions impact players like him remains open.