Pio Esposito progress shows Inter were right to back 20-year-old

Inter are confirming they were right to resist loaning out Francesco Pio Esposito, even when many thought it impossible for the 20-year-old to make his mark.

A couple of months ago, it was considered entirely unlikely that the Nerazzurri could give any playing time for Esposito, especially when they already had Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez in the squad.

When our football finally understands that 20 years old is not that young, and already mature enough to have important experiences, perhaps it will already be too late.

Pio Esposito made the necessary steps in the lower leagues before taking his spot, so in this sense Inter were sharp and sufficiently consistent with their principles.

He bonded with Spezia and decided in the summer of 2024 to show his gratitude to the club by completing that loan experience in Serie B, certain he’d get to play regularly, rather than work his socks off with little guarantee of time on the field at a side like Torino.

Now when he scores and impresses, people emphasise the normality of that process, but Pio Esposito is simply confirming his great talent without the need for adjectives and a narrative that will not help this lad develop.

Meanwhile, he is nominated for the 2025 Golden Boy Award, going to the best young player in the sport.