Inter Milan Star Selects Surprising Option For Favorite Italian Player and Praises Mario Balotelli For Special Azzurri Memory

Inter Milan youngster, Pio Esposito, has surprised many supporters with his pick for favorite Italian player as he prepares for his international call-up.

Who Did Pio Esposito Pick As His Favorite Italian Player?

The Inter Milan youngster has seen a rapid rise to the first-team under Cristian Chivu, earning a spot in the Nerazzurri roster after some strong performances – specifically at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Esposito’s performances for Inter swayed the clubs’ decision over his future, as many expected the 20-year-old to go out on loan for the 2025/26 season.

After coming through the ranks in Milan, Esposito joined Spezia on a two-year loan deal in August 2023 and went on to score 22 goals in 79 appearances before returning to the San Siro.

Reports suggested that he may return to Spezia as Inter boast multiple players that are above Esposito in the striker ranks – however the youngster recently revealed that he had no intentions of leaving the club during the summer window.

Pio Esposito said: “There was transfer talk about me all summer, but there was never any doubt about staying at Inter.

“I never wanted to go anywhere else because for me it’s a dream come true. The coach wanted to keep me too, and I never had any doubts.”

Having such faith in his ability is one of Esposito’s biggest strengths and this, alongside his blatant quality, earned a place in Italy’s latest squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Gennaro Gattuso selected his first squad as Italy manager and the former AC Milan midfielder included three players that could make their debut for the Italian national team.

Pio Esposito, Giovanni Leoni and Giovanni Fabbian will all take part in their first official camp with the Azzurri, as Gattuso looks to bring the brightest Italian prospects from the beginning.

During his first press conference with the national side, Esposito stunned supporters by picking Gianluca Scamacca as his favorite Italian player.

Esposito said: “A player I’ve always liked is certainly Scamacca. For me, he’s the ideal striker, a complete forward, and the type of player I’ve always admired.

“The impact has definitely been positive. The coach has shown us all his energy and determination to do well and qualify.”

What Did Pio Esposito Say About Mario Balotelli?

Pio Esposito will be hoping to make his senior debut for Italy as they take on Estonia and Israel in the World Cup qualifying stage after playing for all of the youth sides from U17-21.

The young Italian striker scored seven goals in 11 appearances for the U21 side and is set to rival Scamacca, Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui for the number nine position.

Italy have produced some of the best attackers in soccer history from Alessandro Del Piero to Roberto Baggio, however Esposito focused on another name – Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has recently been linked with a move to the Australian A-League after his time with Genoa came to an end following a fall-out with Patrick Vieira.

The controversial striker has been involved in some historic moments for club and country, but his iconic goal and celebration against Germany at Euro 2012 is a cut above the rest.

Esposito revealed how much of an impact this goal had on his path to becoming a professional soccer player and was full of praise for the ‘iconic’ striker.

The Inter striker said: “I remember Balotelli’s goal in Italy’s 2-0 win over Germany at the Euros. My birthday was a few days later, and I was watching the game at a friend’s house. That celebration was iconic.”