Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito admits that it “still doesn’t feel real” after his goal against River Plate at the Club World Cup.
The teenage striker spoke to DAZN, via FCInterNews, after the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 victory in the group stage clash.
Francesco Pio Esposito made his first ever start for Inter Milan this evening.
The 19-year-old was in the Nerazzurri starting eleven for their final group stage match at the FIFA Club World Cup. They took on Argentine giants River Plate in a decisive encounter.
And it would be fair to say that Pio Esposito had an impact.
The young striker was a key player in attack for Inter. His physical presence and holdup play were an important route up the pitch for the Nerazzurri throughout the match.
Francesco Pio Esposito Admits “It Still Doesn’t Feel Real” After Heroics Vs River Plate
“I’m very proud of what I did in this match,” said Francesco Pio Esposito after the final whistle.
“It still doesn’t feel real,” he said. “When I saw the ball go in the net, it shocked me.”
Pio Esposito continued that “I couldn’t believed it.”
“I’m happy with the goal. But also with my personal performance, and with that of the entire team.”
“We wanted to make it to the next round,” said the 19-year-old.
“I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done over the last few years. Now, I’m reaping the rewards.”
Of the physical battle with the River Plate defenders, Pio Esposito said that “My job is to protect the ball and get the team up the pitch.”
“Those are my characteristics,” explained the teenage striker.
“I think I succeeded in that. Also thanks partly to the ability of my teammates.”
Meanwhile, of partnering Inter captain Lautaro Martinez in attack, Pio Esposito declared that “playing with a top player like that is easy.”
“He’s always available,” he continued. “He gives you the ball at the right times.”
Then, Pio Esposito also gave his thoughts on his Inter future. “I want to keep doing what I did today,” he said.
The striker said he aims to “take advantage of the opportunities I’m given.”
“I want to take advantage of this Club World Cup,” Pio Esposito added.
Similar to Luca Toni, a beast inside the box, forget Hojlund and all others, we have our guy right here!
We don’t have this characteristics of player:
He is big forward with beast power, ready for physical challange against defender.
He have physical presence in penalty box, and ready for header from wing back.
He also have good understanding of tactics, typical italian player.
The bonus, he can play as link up player.
He is a MUST stay at Inter. If Chivu really wanted to play 3 forwards later, I could imagine combination Pio-Lautaro-Thuram…Add Bony there as a backup
man he reminds of a combination of bobo vieri and luca toni. the goal aside his hold up and link up play was class. it brings something different and another dynamic. chivu is really starting to make an impression the fact that he threw pio in right away when he was avaible then starts him the next game shows he thinks pio can ball.
He is so good at receiving ball from back, taking a defender with himself and find a running midfielder to keep moving forward