Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito praised Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea after tonight’s 1-1 draw at Artemio Franchi.
Speaking to DAZN via FCInterNews, the young center-forward hailed the Spanish veteran’s last-ditch save to rescue a point for La Viola.
With AC Milan and Napoli both winning earlier this weekend, Inter desperately needed three points to maintain their cushion at the top of the table.
However, Cristian Chivu was not in the dugout, as he had to serve a one-game suspension for last weekend’s touchline tantrum.
Moreover, Serie A’s top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, was unavailable despite returning to training earlier this week.
Francesco Pio Esposito stepped up in El Toro’s absence to open the scoring in the first minute of the game.
Indeed, it was the Italian prodigy’s sixth goal in Serie A this season.
Furthermore, the 20-year-old has now scored in back-to-back league appearances for the first time in the 2025/26 campaign.
Still, Cher Ndour undid Esposito’s heroics in the 77th minute, leveling the score after being left unmarked inside the six-yard box.
Unfortunately for Inter, De Gea made a stunning save to deny Esposito’s late attempt to restore Inter’s lead.
Pio Esposito Praises De Gea After Fiorentina 1-1 Inter Milan Draw
“The match has just ended, and there’s regret about the last chance,” Esposito said after the game. “Credit to De Gea for getting there first – maybe I could’ve done more, but that’s how it went.”
“I thank Luca Toni for his kind words – he’s always been a source of inspiration for me. Hopefully it comes on Thursday.”
Meanwhile, he reflected on his celebration with Nicolo Barella.
“Top players like Nicolò recognize their teammates’ qualities. I think attacking the box and heading the ball are my main strengths, and I’m happy the team provides me with quality crosses.”
Moreover, he sent a message to Italy fans ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff tie against Northern Ireland.
“Yes – I’d say put club loyalties aside and come together for Italy. The national team plays on Thursday, and that’s what matters most.”
In the meantime, speaking to Inter TV via FCInterNews, Esposito praised Fiorentina for playing a ‘great’ game.
“Fiorentina played a great game tonight, and the result was the fairest,” Esposito admitted. “I don’t feel like the leader, but I always try to give my best and give everything for this team.
“We started really strong with the kind of approach we needed. We immediately showed a great desire to win, but Fiorentina was smart in controlling a lot of the field and did well to equalize.”
Finally, he confirmed that he cannot wait to play for Italy this week.
“I’m going with all the motivation in the world to achieve the goal and represent my country at my best.”
but when thuram came off the match died no attacking thuram may not score but he’s always in the build up attack pio not a creative striker like lautaro
again what games are you looking at ? thuram was strolling on the field. we was doing a light jog…..
Not Thuram but definitely when Frattesi came in the game was over.
Pio is slightly confused… DeGea didn’t do anything out of the ordinary in that last action- he simply saved a save-able shot…. The problem is that Pio doesn’t realise this is standard practice, because we have a washed up Numpty starting in goal every week, while a very good keeper, in his prime, who we paid €15 million for, rots away on the Bench!! I won’t blame Chivu for this ageing squad running out of steam yet again, but what I cannot fathom is why you would continue to play a goalkeeper who is in someway at fault for almost every goal we have conceded this season!! And why isn’t anyone asking him about this??? Drop Sommer, or we are in serious danger of blowing the league, and you will be in serious danger of losing your job!! it’s insane!!!!
Showing way more desire to score than Thuram and Bony combined but simply doing simple things. But both Bony and Thuram seems to like to complicates things inside the box rather than shoot. Thuram especially is sad to watch nowdays I don’t think in the match he even had one decent(blocked) shot. He should be the one demanding the ball but he’s just strolling like he can’t be bothered anymore while a kid presses and tries everything he can to change the match. Inter after losing Lautaro against Bodo they can’t press because Pio just runs while his partner sits back and ball watch.
Been saying exactly this for a while..
Thuram has zero effort anymore, I think his head is already elsewhere. He and Bonny together are essentially useless because neither of them will close or press, the just stand still.
Then Pio is working his ass off but alone he gets played around, it only works when Lautaro is there because they work together to press properly.
we should’ve used Bonny’s money for Santiago Castro smh this management