Inter Milan Breakout Star Proves Himself Ready For The Elite Ahead Of First Italy Call-Up | OneFootball

Young striker Francesco Pio Esposito is proving himself ready for the elite level with Inter Milan and Italy.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, report that the 20-year-old has been “passing the Acerbi test” with flying colours in training.

Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last couple years.

The young striker spent the past two seasons on loan with Spezia. Last season he scored nineteen goals for the Ligurian club, nearly firing them to promotion.

Then, Pio Esposito enjoyed a breakout performance with Inter at the Club World Cup over the summer.

That was enough to convince the Nerazzurri to make the 20-year-old a part of their first team plans for the upcoming season.

Furthermore, it was also enough to earn Pio Esposito a spot in the Italy senior squad.

Francesco Pio Esposito Proves Ready For The Elite With Inter & Italy

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Francesco. Esposito #94 of FC. Internazionale. Milano arrives at the stadium prior to the. FIFA. .Club. World. Therefore.However. THerefore. Moreover. Therefore. However. Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The faith that Inter coach Cristian Chivu and Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso are showing in Pio Esposito is not a coincidence.

As the Gazzetta dello Sport note, the young striker has been rising to the occasion with each step up that he takes.

Pio Esposito doesn’t only have the physicality to make an impact at a high level.

The 20-year-old has also shown the technical ability and composure to use his size and strength to keep hold of the ball in even the toughest battles.

That has included against Inter centre-back Francesco Acerbi in training. The veteran defender has gotten the better of virtually every striker in Serie A throughout his career.

Then, the Gazzetta note, Pio Esposito has also shown the kind of ruthless sixth sense for goal that he will need at Inter.