Esposito Stands Out With Two Goals, Compared to Kane and Riva

Italy beat France 3-1 in a Nations League match. The star of the match was Pio Esposito. The Inter striker played a decisive role in Italy's win with two goals, and the large majority of the Italian press named him player of the match.

Esposito has scored nine goals in 14 appearances for the national team. It is said that if he maintains his current scoring rate, he will break Italy's all-time goal record. The record is currently 35 goals, held by Gigi Riva.

Newspapers gave Esposito high marks. Corriere dello Sport rated him 9 out of 10 and described him as a constant thorn in France's side. Sky gave him 8 points and called him the heir to Riva's throne. La Gazzetta dello Sport also gave him 8 points and compared his performance to that of England captain and 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane. Gazzetta wrote that his movement left his opponents unable to follow him and that it was a complete performance.

TMW and Corriere della Sera also gave Esposito 8 points. TMW noted that this performance was not new and added that Italy has a superb striker, something that had been long awaited.