Inter talent Pio Esposito ‘similar to Dzeko’

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)

Sebastiano Esposito, brother of Francesco Pio, says the emerging Inter striker is similar to Edin Dzeko.

Pio Esposito, 19, scored his first Inter goal on his full debut against River Plate on Wednesday in a 2-0 win in the Club World Cup.

The Nerazzurri have qualified for the Round of 16 as group winners and will meet Brazilian side Fluminense in the next round. Some specialised websites, such as bola88 live streaming, see the Serie A giants as the favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals and even win the trophy in July.

Pio Esposito has returned to Inter after a two-season loan spell at Spezia, where he played with one of his brothers, Salvatore. The 24-year-old commented on his brother’s performances at the Club World Cup in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

“It was an indescribable emotion, it’s already a beautiful memory, although it happened just a few hours ago,” Sebastiano said via TMW.

“Seeing him play with Lautaro and score in such an important competition is something truly unique that I never expected.

Pio Esposito similar to Dzeko

“His main qualities are his desire to improve and his ability to always listen to advice,” Salvatore Esposito continued.

“He’s ready for certain stages. His technical and physical abilities are hard to find elsewhere in Italy.”

The older Esposito brother said the Inter striker is similar to a former Nerazzurri star, Edin Dzeko. But should Pio Esposito stay at Inter in 2025-26 or get more playing time elsewhere?

“He’s there now and I think he must follow his feelings. He’ll surely make the right choice. There is mutual respect with Cristian Chivu and they have shared important moments,” his brother argued.

Another Esposito brother, Sebastiano, 22, has returned to Inter this summer after spending a year on loan at Empoli.

Pio Esposito could not hide his happiness after scoring his first Inter goal last night.

“I can say it’s the most emotional day of my life, in football and in general,” he told reporters.

“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.

Chivu praises Pio Esposito

“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.”

Even Inter coach Chivu was not short of praise for the 19-year-old striker: “It was an excellent performance as he adapted to a tough context. He rose to the occasion and that’s a reward for his intelligence and hard work. He’s a guy who chose to go and play in a different division,” said the Inter boss.

“He had two great seasons at Spezia, and he has grown and matured significantly. He has great potential and I know he’s aware of that. We still need to keep working with him. I know him well, and I know he’ll keep his feet on the ground.”