Former Italy Stars Want Pio Esposito to Start World Cup Play-off

Former Italy internationals Antonio Di Natale and Alberico Evani are urging coach Gennaro Gattuso to select Francesco Pio Esposito in the starting lineup for the crucial World Cup play-off clash with Bosnia.

The pivotal match is scheduled to kick off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday, March 31, at 19:45 UK time.

Pio Esposito Pushing for Italy Starting Role

Following Italy's 2-0 semi-final victory over Northern Ireland, alterations to the squad are anticipated, with Esposito potentially replacing Mateo Retegui in the starting eleven.

"I would invariably include Pio Esposito in the starting lineup," stated Di Natale, a former striker for Udinese and Italy, to reporters at an event in Rome. He emphasized, "The paramount goal is for Italy to secure their return to the World Cup stage."

The 20-year-old forward has enjoyed a successful season with Inter's senior squad, contributing nine goals and six assists across 40 competitive appearances. His national team performance is equally commendable, having scored three goals in just six senior international caps, building on his strong contributions to the Under-21 squad.

Evani, quoted in Tuttosport and Tuttomercatoweb, remarked: "His potential is evident; despite his youth, he consistently performs for a major club like Inter, unfazed by the pressure. He possesses the capability to reach the pinnacle of football."

Given Italy's previous failures in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup play-offs, Evani highlighted the primary challenge facing coach Gattuso. "The initial hurdle is time itself, as there's simply none available. Players joined the camp on Sunday post-club commitments, meaning Monday saw no substantive training before their Thursday match."

"Within such constraints," Evani continued, "the coach can only select players best aligned with his tactical vision. However, achieving both positive results and an entertaining style of play is challenging. In these scenarios, individual talent often proves decisive."