Federico Balzaretti drew a flattering comparison between Inter Milan prodigy Francesco Pio Esposito and legendary striker Luca Toni.
During his brief interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio via FCInterNews, the Udinese technical director spoke highly of the Spezia loanee.
Francesco Pio Esposito left Inter to join the Aquilotti on loan last summer after failing to secure first-team football at the San Siro.
Given the fierce competition for places, Simone Inzaghi thought it would be prudent for the 19-year-old to depart the club.
As things stand, Spezia have hit a jackpot.
Indeed, Esposito has gone from strength to strength during his loan stint at Stadio Alberto Picco.
With 12 goals from 22 league appearances, the teenage center-forward is Serie B’s second-best scorer.
Only Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente (13) has netted more goals in Italy’s second tier this season.
Therefore, Esposito has emerged as one of the country’s top talents.
Federico Balzaretti Compares Inter Milan Starlet Francesco Pio Esposito & Iconic Striker Luca Toni
Esposito’s rise to prominence has seemingly caught Balzeretti’s eye.
The former defender seems so impressed with the Inter teenager that he compared him to legendary striker Luca Toni.
“He could be Inter’s fourth-choice striker, but another transitional year could benefit him,” Balzaretti said.
“Who does he remind me of? Luca Toni. He has great mobility, just like Toni did.”
Comparisons with Toni perhaps best illustrate Esposito’s potential.
In the era of ‘modern’ strikers, classic number nines, like Toni, seem like a dying species.
Therefore, Esposito could be the next big thing in world football, let alone Serie A.
Whether he’d return to Inter remains questionable.
However, there’s no doubt the Nerzzurri faithful would welcome him back with open arms.
But who knows?
With Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa on their way out, Esposito could get his chance to shine next term.
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