Inter have one of Italy’s future stars on their hands in Sebastiano Esposito, according to Venezia coach Paolo Zanetti.
Esposito joined the Serie B high-flyers in January after cutting short an unsuccessful loan spell with SPAL, and he is justifying his reputation as a promising young forward.
The 18-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists in Italy’s second tier this season, and Zanetti believes the sky is the limit for him.
“Esposito has the hallmarks of a champion,” Venezia’s boss told Italian broadcaster DAZN, ahead of tonight’s play-off tie against ChievoVerona.
“He needs to smooth some aspects of his character, but his exuberance is also a strength of his.
“He’s an 18-year-old who’s starting for a team that’s fighting for promotion to Serie A, I have a great relationship with him.”
Esposito has made 15 appearances for Inter’s first team, including an impressive cameo against Borussia Dortmund in last season’s UEFA Champions League.
The forward scored his first senior goal for the Nerazzurri against Genoa in 2019, when Romelu Lukaku allowed him to take a penalty at San Siro.
“I’m certainly not letting him off with anything, he gets called out on a daily basis,” Zanetti added on Esposito.
“But I can see he’s got a great aptitude and is improving every day.
“Esposito won’t stop here and I can assure you he’s a talent that will be part of the Italy team for many years.”
Esposito made his debut for Italy’s under-21 side last September, playing 45 minutes in a 2-1 friendly win at home to Slovenia.
