Inter striker Sebastiano Esposito, who impressed in his first three appearances with the Italy Under-19 squad, discussed both Inter and the Azzurrini in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
Esposito felt pride playing for Italy, whether it was the U-17 or U-19 squad.
“The jersey is one, the coat of arms is one, the pride is unique. And those who don’t give 100% every day don’t go to the national team. And for every team I play for I like to be a leader.”
He touched on how important football is to him.
“When I left home at the age of eight, I realized that I couldn’t live like any other child. And the same thing when I moved to Inter. Football, studying and not much else, but now I’m fine with it. I live for football and I’ve already realized a lot of my dreams.”
The 17-year-old Italian suggested that he doesn’t feel much pressure yet.
“Maybe I’m still struggling to see what’s going on. It’s all happened in such a short time. I played with the Under 17 squad and debuted with the Primavera, I played with the Primavera and trained with the first team, then I made my debut in the Europa League, the Champions League, the Serie A.”
Esposito then revealed that his family didn’t want his games early on, due to a superstition of his.
“My parents weren’t there against Eintracht, they were there at the beginning of the season but my debut in Serie A didn’t come.”
“So, laughing, I told them to stay home. And when I debuted, only my brother Salvatore was in the stands. But I owe my family everything. Maybe I’ll dedicate my next tattoo to my mother.”
He appreciated Inter coach Antonio Conte.
“Impressive. An extraordinary coach.”
The teenage striker was positive about his teammate, Romelu Lukaku.
“A guy of extraordinary humility. He welcomed me into the locker room as if I were his little brother. I only have to learn from him, but I also bonded with D’Ambrosio, who was coached by my father and left from Juve Stabia. I want you to know how important it is for me.”
The 17-year-old appreciated the family at Inter.
“You grow as a player, but you also grow as a man. I owe a lot to Roberto Samaden, but I also want to remember Roberto Clerici, who discovered me when he took me to Brescia and then he died.”
Finally, Esposito spoke about the World Cup in 2022.
“I think about it a little. If I came here, it’s just to take everything one step at a time.”