Daniele Adani slammed Erling Haaland after the Norwegian star claimed he didn’t know who Francesco Pio Esposito was before facing him.
During the latest episode of Viva El Futbol via FCInterNews, Adani hit back at Haaland over his recent statement about Pio Esposito.
Italy slumped to a woeful 4-1 home loss to Norway in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
However, Francesco Pio Esposito got off the mark at San Siro, netting his third senior goal for the Azzurri.
Despite the 20-year-old’s early opener, Stale Solbakken’s side turned the game on its head in the second half.
Indeed, Erling Haaland spearheaded Norway’s stunning comeback, netting a second-half double to inspire his team to a resounding victory.
Yet, the Manchester City superstar made a bizarre pre-match statement, saying he didn’t know how Pio Esposito was.
Meanwhile, the Inter starlet made sure to make the Premier League top scorer take note of him.
Daniele Adani Hits Back at Erling Haaland Over Pio Esposito Remarks
“The day before, Haaland said he didn’t know Pio,” Adani claimed. “But if he plays for Inter and the national team, it means the kid has value.
“My comment works, but I didn’t want to take anything away from Haaland, who is averaging two goals per game in the qualifying group.
“But it’s Pio who deserves to be celebrated, because the best pure No.9 in the world, in a press conference, ‘called him out’ by saying, ‘he’ll come at me after what I said.’
“ Someone who does my job, with irony and maximum respect, has to highlight what happened.
“Otherwise, you just shrug it off and say, ‘oh, what a nice shot, the ball went in. Esposito scored.’
“I try to connect the dots.
“Esposito scored, at San Siro, in front of Haaland, and that’s something that must be emphasized technically, emotionally, and historically.”
This is such a nothing story, it’s ridiculous! Halaand was asked if he knew Pio… He answered by saying not really, but if he’s playing for Italy and Inter, he must be good! It’s a completely understandable and respectful response….
well the Italian press doesn’t have the reach as the English media when it comes to overhyping players,obviously he never heard of the kid.
Outside of Italy few people know Pio Esposito, as he was playing in Serie B till a few months ago. Haaland was honest in his comment.
Haaland was asked if he knew him, Haaland doesn’t follow Italian football and nor do I, I have no clue who he even is. Talk about Italian ego at its best. The ego’s and superiority complex of Italians know no bounds. Have a day off.
happy that you englishmen don´t have a god complex at all!