Francesco Pio Esposito, a promising talent from Inter Milan, has etched his name in Italian football history. He is now among an exclusive group of players to have scored more than three senior international goals for Italy before reaching the age of 21.
Esposito’s recent match-winning goal against Luxembourg on Wednesday propelled him into this esteemed company, placing him alongside Italian footballing legends Giuseppe Meazza and Gianni Rivera.
According to statistics from Opta, Esposito is the third player ever to achieve this milestone. Giuseppe Meazza, an iconic figure and Inter’s all-time leading scorer, also found success at a young age with the national team, netting 33 goals in 63 appearances and being a key player in Italy’s World Cup victories in 1934 and 1938.
Gianni Rivera, another Milan legend and a winner of the 1969 World Cup, recorded 14 goals in 60 caps for Italy. His illustrious career also includes two European Cup titles and three Serie A championships with AC Milan, along with a European Championship win in 1969.
Pio Esposito, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on June 28, has been in impressive form for Inter Milan this season, scoring ten goals in 48 competitive matches. His impact for the senior national team has also been notable, with four goals in his first eight appearances for ‘La Nazionale’.
Pio Esposito’s Milestone: A Look at the Numbers
The goal against Luxembourg marks a significant achievement for the young Inter striker. Before his 21st birthday, Esposito has already surpassed the three-goal mark for the senior Italian team. This puts him in the same bracket as Meazza and Rivera, two of Italy’s most celebrated footballers.
Key Achievements of the Trio:
- Giuseppe Meazza: Over three senior Italy goals before 21, 33 goals in 63 caps, two World Cups (1934, 1938).
- Gianni Rivera: Over three senior Italy goals before 21, 14 goals in 60 caps, 1969 World Cup winner, 1969 European Championship winner.
- Francesco Pio Esposito: Over three senior Italy goals before 21, four goals in eight caps (as of this report).
Esposito’s early success suggests a bright future for the player and the Italian national team.
