Francesco Pio Esposito had an impact as a substitute against Northern Ireland that has sparked a deeper discussion about his role for Italy, with Gazzetta dello Sport dedicating a detailed analysis to the Inter Milan starlet’s tactical versatility and his growing importance to Gattuso’s squad.

Gazzetta are keen to avoid oversimplification, via FCInterNews.

While the temptation after Bergamo is to immediately declare Esposito the perfect partner for Kean, the outlet urge caution, pointing out that Italy’s attacking options are genuinely strong across the board.

Inter Starlet Pio Esposito Can Partner Retegui Or Kean For Italy With Equal Effectiveness

That is precisely where Esposito’s value lies.

“The Inter player is young, but he deceives you with what he has been doing for a year now,” Gazzetta write.

“Tactically and positionally he seems like a veteran.”

His profile suits multiple partnerships.

Alongside Retegui he functions as a second striker.

With Kean, the two can interchange positions fluidly, adding pace and unpredictability to Italy’s attack.

He presses intelligently, provides depth, never plays selfishly and is excellent in the air.

Gattuso’s selection will depend on form, opponents and psychology, but Esposito has made himself impossible to ignore.

“He is a starter in a national team that plays in sixteen,” Gazzetta conclude.

Gattuso wanted him from day one and has never wavered in that conviction.

With Scamacca still recovering, the competition for places is fierce.

But Esposito is firmly in the conversation, and growing stronger every time he pulls on the blue shirt.