Francesco Pio Esposito is reportedly in contention for the starting XI as Italy face Northern Ireland in a ‘make or break’ FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
According to La Repubblica via FCInterNews, the Inter Milan prodigy could start ahead of Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean.
Desperate to avoid another qualifying fiasco, Italy head into proceedings determined to return to the most prestigious international tournament.
Indeed, the four-time world champions have missed out on the last two editions.
Another failure to qualify for the World Cup would be a disaster for the Azzurri, with Gennaro Gattuso looking to end his nation’s drought.
Francesco Pio Esposito Could Start in Italy vs Northern Ireland Clash
Francesco Pio Esposito has hit a purple patch on the stroke of the international break.
Indeed, the 20-year-old has scored in back-to-back Serie A games for the first time in his career.
Furthermore, he has emerged as Inter’s standout performer in the absence of star striker Lautaro Martinez.
Therefore, Gattuso is considering handing the young center-forward a chance to start in the most important game of his career.
Moreover, it would come at the expense of Kean and Retegui, even though both have much more international experience.