“The phenomenon we were missing,” opens Corriere dello Sport in its glowing tribute to Francesco Pio Esposito, the Inter forward fast becoming the next big thing in Italy.

Described as “the striker who turns every ball into gold,” the paper highlights his “freshness, energy and relentless drive. The kind that comes from being 20 years old and suddenly finding yourself going from Serie B to the edge of a World Cup.”

That relentless hunger, even in training, has impressed Rino Gattuso, who sees Esposito as a spark of enthusiasm and efficiency in front of goal.

“He’s a reserve for Inter, yet every time he comes on, he scores,” notes the piece.

Inter & Italy Starlet Pio Esposito Ready For Haaland & A First Goal At San Siro

Francesco Pio Esposito Inter Milan
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Francesco Esposito #94 of FC Internazionale Milano arrives at the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

With Moise Kean ruled out, Esposito is expected to start for Italy on Sunday night against Erling Haaland’s Norway.

“Under the eyes of his loved ones, he’ll look to win his duel with Haaland,” writes Corriere dello Sport.

Indeed, calling the game “a special night he’s earned after four substitute appearances.”

Gattuso had long earmarked this moment for him.

Therefore, the coach has used rotation to “reward a forward who always makes the most of his chances.”

For both club and country, the approach remains the same.

“Esposito’s rise is being managed carefully – not rushed, but not held back either.”

He is under the guidance of Cristian Chivu at Inter and Gattuso with the Azzurri.

Therefore, the 2005-born striker is ready to take another decisive step on football’s biggest stage.