Italian journalist Paolo Rental heaped reward on Italy star Francesco Pio Esposito following a morale-wracking 4-1 loss to Norway.
Rental waxed lyrical concerning the Inter Milan prodigy in his newest Corriere della Sera column through .
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Gennaro Gattuso suffered his first defeat accountable for the Azzurri in disturbing trend.
Certainly, after a five-game profitable begin, the previous AC Milan midfielder watched helplessly because the Scandinavians overran his aspect.
Regardless of taking an early lead via , the four-time world champions fell aside within the second half.
Moreover, produced one other forgettable efficiency.
Manchester Metropolis talisman Erling Haaland proved too sizzling to deal with for the Inter ace.
After a comparatively quiet first half, the star striker bagged a second-half double to encourage Norway’s comeback.
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In stark distinction to Bastoni’s dismal show, Esposito loved an excellent worldwide debut at San Siro.
For context, he netted his first aim at Inter’s dwelling venue, setting himself up completely for the upcoming Milan derby.
Paolo Rental Heaps Reward on Pio Esposito After Italy 1-4 Norway Rout
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale warms up previous to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
“So long as they performed in a distracted method, Norway had been subdued by Italy, who, after Pio Esposito’s genuinely stunning aim, may and may have added at the very least yet one more,” Rental wrote.
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“It’s clear that the severity of the ultimate defeat virtually wipes out the constructive notes from the primary half.
“However because the blow was sturdy, we now must keep away from throwing the infant out with the bathwater.”
Then, Rental slammed Bastoni and his defensive associate, Riccardo Calafiori.
Nevertheless, he hailed Federico Dimarco for producing one other pleasant help.
“Calafiori isn’t but thought-about basic for the Azzurri.
“We want to see him play as a left-back, as he does within the Premier League, with Dimarco forward of him to create a high-level left-side chain.
“That mentioned, Esposito confirmed his high quality even on such an unlucky evening.
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“Nevertheless, the defensive downside must be addressed, the place Di Lorenzo, Mancini, and Bastoni impress with their high quality in buildup play.
“Nonetheless, with regards to containing a prime striker within the field, they present their limits.”