Pio Esposito: ‘Most emotional day of my life’ after first Inter goal | OneFootball

Francesco Pio Esposito had the ‘most emotional day’ of his life as he scored his first Inter goal against River Plate: ‘I knew the chance would come.’

The former Spezia star has returned to Inter after a two-year loan spell in Serie B and scored his first goal at a senior level for the Nerazzurri in a 2-0 Club World Cup win against River Plate on Wednesday.

Esposito’s goal helped Inter qualify for the Round of 16, eliminating the Argentine side.

Esposito after first Inter goal: ‘Most emotional day of my life’

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“I can say it’s the most emotional day of my life, in football and in general,” the 19-year-old said at a press conference via Gazzetta.

“When, the day before the game, I realised I would be starting, I imagined so many plays in my dreams. I’ve often dreamed about how my first goal as an Inter player might happen.

“I knew the chance would come on the pitch as I’m part of the team with so many champions. It was a physical and balanced game, but in the long run, we came out stronger and deserved to win.

“I’m a debutant at Inter, but I’ve already played 80 games at a professional level, even if at a lower level. I have to admit it wasn’t as emotional as my very first match as a pro. In that sense, I feel I’ve grown a lot.”

Esposito stats at Spezia

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Petar Sucic #8 and Lautaro Martinez #10 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Pio Esposito already scored 22 goals in 79 appearances with Spezia before returning to San Siro this summer.

He’s been involved in the Club World Cup alongside one of his brothers, Sebastiano, who has returned to the club after a one-season loan spell at Empoli.

Pio Esposito is under contract with the Serie A giants until June 2030, and Inter will consider his future at the club this summer.