Keep an eye on Francesco Pio Esposito, Inter Milan`s promising young forward. He recently grabbed headlines by scoring the crucial opening goal in Inter`s 2-0 victory over River Plate, helping them advance in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Esposito is a product of Inter`s own youth academy, having been with the club since the age of eight. He spent the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons on loan at Spezia, where he demonstrated significant potential, netting 22 goals in 79 appearances. This successful loan spell solidified Inter`s interest in bringing him back, viewing him as a potential future star.
Born in 2005, Esposito is on the cusp of turning 20. His impactful goal against River Plate in his return to the senior squad suggests his breakout moment might be arriving sooner than expected.
Francesco is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom came through the Inter youth system. While his brother Sebastiano (who also featured for Inter previously and in the current Club World Cup) is anticipated to depart in summer 2025, and Salvatore currently plays for Spezia, Francesco`s immediate future is less defined. Recent speculation suggested another loan move for the 2025-26 season to secure more regular senior game time, but his performance against River Plate could significantly alter these plans.
Newly appointed Inter coach Cristian Chivu, who coached Esposito in the youth ranks, knows his capabilities well. With Chivu taking the helm from Simone Inzaghi, there`s potential for Esposito to integrate into the current first-team squad. This is especially relevant given the departures of Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic, and the uncertainty surrounding Mehdi Taremi`s future, meaning Inter will likely need more attacking options.
The primary striking partnership remains captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. Parma`s Ange-Yoan Bonny is reportedly set to join as a backup option, potentially alongside Taremi. In recent years, Inter has sometimes lacked reliable depth when their main forwards weren`t available. Francesco Pio Esposito could emerge as an unexpected solution to this issue, providing valuable cover and competition.
The spotlight is now on the young forward. His performance against River Plate was impressive, not only for the goal itself (highlighting his talent) but also for his overall contribution – his ability to hold up the ball and work hard for the team before being substituted by his brother Sebastiano in the 83rd minute. He proved he can replicate his form from Spezia on the bigger stage at Inter. The club management and coach Chivu face a crucial decision: should Esposito gain more experience via another loan spell, or is he ready to handle the pressure and challenges of playing at the highest level for Inter right now? Based on his initial outing, he appears prepared to stay and compete.
