Mancini lifts Esposito: can reach Vieri or Luca Toni

Pio Esposito, the 21‑year‑old Inter Milan forward, celebrated with fury the goal that sealed Italy's 3‑1 victory over Turkey in Bologna, consolidating coach Roberto Mancini's confidence. The Italian, starter in three of the four Nations League matches, has responded with goals and good play, the agency EFE reported.

Total confidence of the coach

Mancini has stated that the young Neapolitan has a hunger for goals and that, in a couple of years, he could become a centre‑forward who allows the team to play with ease, like Vieri and Luca Toni were. The coach emphasized that, although Esposito does not resemble Vieri in characteristics, he does show technical qualities that bring him close to Toni.

Performance in the Nations League

In the four matchdays played, Esposito has found the net twice, both against Turkey, and has shown quality and character to aspire to the capocannoniere title of this new Italy, which seeks to rediscover itself after years of hardship and the absence from the last three World Cups.

On Monday in Bologna, Esposito came off the bench and scored the third goal that confirmed the trans‑Alpine victory and lifted the side to second place in the group. His goal, described as “goal‑nose”, reinforced his standing as one of the standout names in the Nations League.

Mancini sees Pio Esposito reaching Vieri and Toni's level within two years

The Esposito brothers, all internationals, continue to make history with Italy more than a century later. Pio, the youngest of the three, has been mentioned by Xavi Solé, a journalist covering the competition, as one of the young figures shining in the UEFA Nations League.

The forward has also added four goals this season, combining his work with the nerazzurri side under Pioli's direction, where he forms an attacking partnership with Lautaro Martínez and, on occasions, with Marcus Thuram.

Italian dominance in Bologna puts pressure on the Red Devils' chances

With his eyes on the Azzurra's upcoming commitments, Mancini has no doubt about Esposito's ability and maintains the expectation that, under his guidance, the youngster can emulate the legendary Vieri and Luca Toni.