Salvatore Esposito Hails Inter Milan Starlet After Estonia 1-3 Italy Heroics: “Excited About His Goal” | OneFootball

Salvatore Esposito praised his brother, Francesco Pio, after the youngster found the net for Italy in a 3-1 win over Estonia.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the Spezia midfielder discussed his brother’s meteoric rise this season.

Francesco Pio Esposito is making waves in Italian football.

In addition to becoming an important player for Inter Milan under Cristian Chivu, he is going from strength to strength on the international stage.

Indeed, the 20-year-old scored off the bench in Italy’s most recent victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Saturday’s goal in Tallinn was his first senior goal for his country.

Furthermore, Esposito’s scintillating form in the early stages of the season have not gone unnoticed.

The young striker has been under the spotlight for his performances, drawing praise from every corner of the country.

Meanwhile, his brother, Salvatore, joined the chorus of praise in his latest interview.

Salvatore Esposito Heaps Praise on Inter Milan Starlet Francesco Pio After Italy Win

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)

“I was at an event for our football school in Brescia, at Voluntas,” Salvatore stated. “Sebastiano was there too, and we were watching the match on the phone.

“When Pio scored, more than celebrating, we got emotional.

“He’s really giving us so much joy, especially for the boy he is, more than for the player. Between us, there’s true love.

“We shouted ‘goal,’ and anyone who wasn’t watching the match probably got scared.”

Then, he discussed Pio’s early career on the national team.

“Now he’s playing with people who have much more quality, and he’s at an advantage,” Salvatore added.

“At that level, they put you in the best positions to score, just as the level of the opponents rises – defenders and goalkeepers alike, in Italy and especially in Europe.

“Still, all goals have the same value; they were the same in Serie B as they are now.”

Meanwhile, Salvatore insists that Pio’s rise to stardom comes as no surprise to him.

“No, it didn’t surprise me. I know his qualities. He is a hard worker, he makes people love him, and listens to advice.

“I was sure that the space and trust he would deserve them and he would not disappoint.

“I am sure that Pio will keep his feet on the ground. He is not one to get ahead of himself.

“Seeing him grow next to me was incredible,” he added. “You could sense the feeling of his qualities day after day; every training session was a step forward.

“For this reason, seeing him like this does not surprise me.

“Those who don’t know him may be surprised to see him make certain plays.

“However, I’m not because I’ve seen him do them for years: the difference is that now he does them much better.”