Former Italy star Antonio Di Natale praises Inter expertise Francesco Pio Esposito: ‘He jogs my memory just a little of Van Basten, he’s the way forward for the Azzurri.’
Di Natale: Pio Esposito is the way forward for the Italy nationwide staff
Pio Esposito, scorer of three objectives in 5 appearances with the Italy nationwide staff, is a part of the for the World Cup play-off.
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“I’m satisfied he’ll rating many extra and that he’ll be the way forward for the Azzurri for the subsequent 15 years,” Di Natale informed
“Pio is so good, and I’m pleased with the season he’s having. It was not simple to right away present his qualities in his first season in Serie A, grow to be an Inter starter, and earn an Italy call-up.”
Each Di Natale and Pio come from Naples, and the previous striker met the promising centre-forward final 12 months at Spezia.
“I root for him, and I want him to do even higher than all the opposite Neapolitans who’ve worn an Azzurri shirt,” Di Natale mentioned.
“I’ve constructed a robust bond with La Nazionale and have nice reminiscences.
UDINE, ITALY – MAY 15: Antonio Di Natale of Udinese Calcio say hiya to the followers after their final video games the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Carpi FC at Stadio Friuli on Might 15, 2016 in Udine, Italy. (Picture by Dino Panato/Getty Photos)
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“I met him at Spezia final season, once I went to go to the director Andrea Gazzoli, and each Pio and his brother Salvatore performed there. He’s not simply an excellent striker, but additionally a severe and humble man. Even again then, you may predict he was destined to play for a prime membership.”
Luca Toni was the Italy centre-forward when the Azzurri gained the World Cup in 2006, however Di Natale feels Pio is extra just like one other Serie A legend.
“He’s a bit totally different from Luca within the actions he makes, and I say it with nice respect. He jogs my memory just a little of Van Basten,” he mentioned.
Inter got here again from two objectives down in a house Serie A conflict towards Pisa, finishing a comeback with Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito within the opening Spherical 22 match.
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Italy will play Northern Eire within the World Cup play-off semifinal in Bergamo on March 26.
“We deserve the qualification, and I’m satisfied we’ll make it towards Northern Eire, even when they don’t have anything to lose. However we’re Italy, and we should present it,” Di Natale, scorer of 11 objectives in 42 Italy appearances, mentioned.
“Gattuso and I performed along with the nationwide staff, and I respect him as a person and as a coach. He’s the precise particular person to deliver us to the World Cup. It’s a contest Italy can’t miss.”