Pio Esposito helped transform Italy in the win over Northern Ireland, with the Inter Milan starlet earning unanimous praise from the Italian media and immediately positioning himself as a candidate to start Tuesday’s World Cup play-off final against Bosnia.
The 20-year-old came off the bench with Italy leading 1-0 and immediately injected energy and directness into an attack that had been functional rather than inspired in the first half.
His combination play with Kean was instant and instinctive, he forced a goal-line save from Hume with a well-directed header, and he played a key role in the build-up to the second goal.
In the space of thirty minutes, he made a compelling case for a starting role in the most important fixture of Italy’s recent history.
Pio Esposito Earns Unanimous 6.5 Against Northern Ireland As Italy Media Back Him To Start Final
All three major Italian outlets awarded him 6.5, via L’Interista.
Indeed, a unanimous verdict that underlines the consistency of his impact.
Gazzetta dello Sport captured his effect perfectly.
“The quicksilver quality is not a cliché, Pio has it and it shows, because even those around him feel his positive influence. He now puts himself forward as a candidate for the final act on Tuesday evening.”
Corriere dello Sport focused on the immediacy of his contribution.
“He comes on and finds Kean instantly, before he has even warmed up his boot. He tries with a header, Hume saves on the line. And he starts the move for the second goal.”
Tuttosport were equally impressed. “He comes on and immediately gets his head on it, only Hume disagrees, producing a desperate last-ditch save.”
The message from all three outlets is the same. Esposito belongs in this team, and Tuesday could be his night.
