Mark the name Francesco Pio Esposito, Inter’s new striker. If you haven’t heard of him before, he scored the opening goal of Inter’s 2-0 win against River Plate, helping Inter advance to the round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup. Esposito developed in Inter’s youth system, starting at age eight until 2023, and he’s already worked with the club’s new coach, Cristian Chivu.

After his development, he went on loan to Spezia for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, where he scored 22 goals in 79 matches, garnering attention from Inter, who view him as a future star.

Born in 2005, Pio Esposito is about to turn 20 and after netting the goal against River Plate, he’s demonstrating that the future may be upon us now, in his first match with the club that nurtured him.

Esposito is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom were raised at Inter. Sebastiano, who played for Inter from 2019 to 2020, is likely to leave the club this summer, while Salvatore is currently with Spezia. Pio’s future remains uncertain, particularly after his loan at Spezia ended. With rumors circulating about a potential move to another Serie A team for more playing time in the 2025-26 season, his recent goal could significantly influence his immediate future at Inter.

Chivu, who knows him well, has just replaced Simone Inzaghi as the manager for Inter, and Pio might find more chances in the current roster despite the club’s plans to add another striker following the exits of Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic. The uncertain future of Mehdi Taremi complicates matters.

The pressure is on him now, but if he continues to play at a high level, it could lead to greater opportunities. Pio’s performance against River Plate showcased his talent, both in scoring a goal and his overall play until he was substituted out for his brother in the 83rd minute. The management at Inter now faces a choice regarding Esposito’s future: should he be loaned out for further development, or is he ready to take on the pressures of top-flight football? His abilities suggest he may be prepared to remain and continue developing at Inter.