Italian journalist and transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio discussed Inter’s young Italian striker Sebastiano Esposito before the Nerazzurri’s important 2-0 win in the Serie A over Udinese last night in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia. The 17-year-old Italian started against the Friulian club.

“The Inter coach believes in him so much that he wouldn’t have left anyway even if Giroud or another forward had arrived.

“When, on the last day of the transfer market, the boy’s agent called the Inter managers to ask whether or not they were taking in another striker, he was assured that the coach wanted him to stay. And that makes it clear how much respect Conte has for him.”

The 17-year-old Italian, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2022, made his 10th appearance of the season for the Milanese club in last night’s win over the Bianconeri.

In that time, he has scored one goal, after teammate Romelu Lukaku gifted him a penalty against Genoa back in December.

Inter coach Antonio Conte immediately noticed the qualities and potential of the Italian teenager when he joined the club last summer, quickly promoting the player to the first team.

Esposito has struggled to earn consistent playing time under Conte this season despite the Italian coach’s confidence. This is due to the incredible partnership between Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.