Inter might not have played in Serie A on Saturday but they still had one reason to smile, as per a report in the Italian media today.

Tuttosport’s print edition noted that the Nerazzurri would have been pleased to see Sebastiano Esposito score his first goal for Venezia at the weekend, as the Lagunari beat promotion rivals Monza 4-1 in Serie B.

Esposito joined Paolo Zanetti’s side on a six-month loan in January after struggling to settle in at SPAL during the first half of the season.

The 18-year-old has now scored twice between his two loan spells, providing two assists.

Inter have high hopes for Esposito, the report explained, and are hoping he can build on Saturday’s excellent goal from the edge of the box.

Esposito’s post-match comments were re-published by the Turin-based publication as they talked up the Italy under-21 striker.

“I’m trying to come out of a difficult moment, a process all players must go through,” he explained on Saturday.

“I’m going through this process quite young but I’m used to doing everything at a younger age (than normal).

“You need to keep your feet on the ground and when the coach puts his faith in me I have to repay him on the pitch.”

Venezia’s win at the weekend moved them to within three points of Serie B’s second automatic promotion spot with just eight games remaining.

Esposito has made 12 appearances for Zanetti’s side so far, including six starts.