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Legendary Ex Juventus Striker Hails Inter Milan & Italy Prodigious Striker: 'I See Myself In Him'

Originally posted on SempreInter.com  |  By Marko Vrakela  |  Last updated Sep 2, 2025 11:10 AM ET

Former Juventus and Lazio striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has praised Inter Milan center-forward Francesco Pio Esposito.

Interviewed by Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Ravanelli spoke highly of the 20-year-old striker.

Francesco Pio Esposito could be the next big thing in European football. All signs are pointing in that direction.

Indeed, the youngster had a remarkable breakout season at Spezia in 2024/25, netting 18 goals in Serie B.

Despite losing the Golden Boot race to Armand Lauriente, he won broad plaudits for his sterling scoring exploits.

Furthermore, Napoli, among others, came knocking on Inter’s door in the summer.

However, new manager Cristian Chivu convinced the club to reject all offers for Esposito.

Indeed, Chivu plans to give the young goal-getter a chance to prove his worth at San Siro this season.

Meanwhile, Esposito could make his Italy debut this month.

New Azzurri gaffer Gennaro Gattuso has included him in his squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

Fabrizio Ravanelli Heaps Praise on Inter Milan Starlet Francesco Pio Esposito

Widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Esposito has a bright future ahead of him.

However, his path won’t be straightforward.

For context, he must dislodge Lautaro Martinez or Marcus Thuram from the starting line-up at Inter.

Then, he faces stiff competition for places in the national team.

Yet, Ravanelli believes the teen sensation has what it takes to succeed.

When asked if there’s a player who reminds him of himself, Ravanelli responded: “Pio Esposito of Inter.

“I like his fighting spirit. If he learns how to defend, to press defenders the way Vialli and I used to.

“But there was one player I really identified with years ago, and that’s Mario Mandzukic at Juventus.

“I truly saw myself in his desire to fight until the very end.”

Receiving such praise from someone like Ravanelli is no small matter.

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

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