Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, a reported Manchester United target, has received glowing endorsements from two Italian football legends following his impressive start to the season. World Cup winner Luca Toni and former Inter forward Christian Vieri have both spoken highly of the 21-year-old, who has scored twice and provided one assist in five Serie A appearances this term.
Breakthrough season and new contract
Esposito emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after strikers after a breakthrough campaign in Inter's first team, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists in 48 appearances as the club claimed their 21st Serie A title. That followed a prolific loan spell at Serie B side Spezia, where he netted 19 times and registered three assists in 40 matches during the 2024/25 season.
United tracked the Italian forward closely, with Atalanta and Arsenal also among the interested clubs. However, Inter were determined to keep Esposito and have since secured his long-term future with a new six-year contract running until 2032. His valuation has now risen to more than £40 million.
International recognition and legend praise
After scoring against Monza and Udinese this season, Esposito has been called up by Italy coach Roberto Mancini for four Nations League matches. Italian media reports suggest he could start against Belgium on Friday, ahead of Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca.
Speaking after signing his new contract, Esposito said: "It is very emotional, I had butterflies in my stomach in the car. Mister Chivu gave me an opportunity I dreamed of my whole life. He has always had great esteem and confidence in me, and I hope to keep repaying his trust."
Toni, who scored more than 300 goals in a 22-year career, told Tuttosport: "Esposito has learned from two masters like Lautaro [Martinez] and [Marcus] Thuram; he must only improve in front of the goal. Mancini is the right coach; the 4-3-3 is excellent." He added: "He uses his body and physique a lot, like I did, but I think he needs to become stronger in front of goal. Just to be clear: at his age, I wasn't as strong as him."
When asked what he likes most about Esposito, Toni said: "His attitude. He learned from Lautaro and Thuram, two excellent teachers. He's intelligent, he never gives up, always on the ball, and he has the ability to take on responsibilities."
Vieri sees a future 'clone of Toni'
Vieri, who scored more than 200 goals in his career, compared Esposito to Toni earlier this month, saying: "See Luca Toni? What a striker: today I see Pio Esposito in him, give him time and you'll see. No, he isn't the new Vieri, Pio will become a clone of Toni. Give him one or two years and he will score 25-30 league goals. Right now he is learning the trade with Lautaro and Thuram, then he will become Number One."
Esposito currently sits behind Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez in the pecking order at Inter, but his string of outstanding performances suggests he may soon become the first-choice striker.
