Inter Milan Loanee Francesco Pio Esposito: “A Wonderful Start To The Season At Spezia, My Brothers Inspire Me” | OneFootball

Spezia striker Francesco Pio Esposito, on loan from Inter Milan, reflected on his positive start to the season following an appearance with the Italy Under-21s.

In an interview with the FIGC’s official channels, and via FCInterNews.it, Esposito considered his season so far following a 2-2 draw against France in the Under-21 European Championship qualifiers.

The 19-year-old forward has enjoyed a breakout season in Serie B, scoring consistently for Spezia after joining from Inter in the summer.

“It was a tough match against a physically and technically strong team. But we played with confidence, showing that we are also at a high level,” Esposito said.

“It’s been an amazing start to the season, but I’m always focused on working hard every day. There’s still a lot to improve.”

Esposito has joined brothers Salvatore and Sebastiano into professional football, and whilst he was busy on international duty, his siblings were able to open a new football pitch for their local neighbourhood in Castellammare di Stabia.

“I was on a video call with my cousin and didn’t miss a moment of it. It was incredibly emotional, even from a distance. Seeing the entire neighborhood, our families, and everyone gathered at the pitch where we grew up, it brought a tear to my eye,” Esposito revealed.

“We wanted to send the message that you should never forget where you come from, especially when your origins gave you everything.

That pitch taught us so much, not just about football, but about life. It was where we learned the values of sportsmanship, friendship, respect, and community,” Esposito reflected.

“Playing with older players at the local pitch pushed me to work twice as hard as the others, and that mindset has stayed with me.”

I’ve always had to work harder, and I’ve always respected the players who were older than me.”

“I spent a lot of weekends watching my brothers play, and they’ve always been an inspiration to me. Having two professional players so close to me is an advantage because I can get advice from them, especially when things aren’t going well.

When things are going well, there’s not much to fix.”

This sense of family unity was on full display when Spezia took on Juve Stabia in Serie B, the club where he began his career. The match ended with Spezia winning 3-0, with Pio scoring the opening goal and Salvatore adding the second.

“Scoring in Castellammare was a surreal experience.

“For a moment, when the ball hit the net, I struggled to process what was happening.

“Inside, I was thrilled, but I could feel the silence of the stadium. It felt almost like I was hurting myself.

“For me, it was a full-circle moment, as I had watched those games from the stands as a child. To score in front of the fans, who have supported me for so long, was very special.”

Meanwhile, the forward revealed how his home in Brescia is a shrine to football, with the walls adorned with signed shirts and balls.

“The one I treasure most is a shirt from Alvaro Morata, which Seba got during our Serie A season. He managed to bring home a lot of shirts that year!”

Esposito has scored six goals in 11 appearances in Serie B for Spezia this season, as they target a return to the top flight next year.