When Italy thrashed Turkey 4-1 in the Nations League, the Esposito brothers took the field together for the first time, injecting fresh energy into the Azzurri.
Both wear the number 94, a nod to their Castellammare di Stabia roots, a seaside town south of Naples near Vesuvius. Growing up in the gritty ‘Ciceron 94’ district, they were raised on football by grandfather Salvatore “Turiello” and father Agostino. After kicking around garage doors, Francesco Pio (21), Sebastiano (24) and Salvatore (25) all turned pro via Brescia and Inter’s academy and now represent Italy.
Eldest Salvatore first stamped the family name on Italy’s shirt in a 0‑0 Nations League draw in England, June 2022, under Roberto Mancini. The former SPAL midfielder entered at the half‑hour mark – his sole cap to date. Four years later his younger brothers followed. Pio, Euro U19 champion 2023, earned his debut in September 2025 versus Estonia (5‑0) under Gennaro Gattuso and quickly became indispensable.
“We had a blast in Turkey”
In just eleven outings, Inter’s young striker has netted six times, the latest coming in Monday’s 4‑1 win over Turkey. That match also marked Sebastiano’s senior baptism, as Mancini started him on the left wing alongside Pio. The brothers, who briefly shared Inter duties, shone at Bursaspor’s familiar arena.
Pio recorded a goal and an assist, while Sebastiano’s burst produced three attempts and constant danger. “I really enjoyed playing with Seba,” Pio admitted. “It was his first cap, so I tried not to add pressure. We had a great time and I’m thrilled for his debut. I hope he savoured it and we’ll get to play together more often.”
Sebastiano echoed the excitement, noting Mancini urged them to seize the moment despite the emotions. Playing for the national side with his brother made it extra special – “It was beautiful.” The last sibling duo to start together for Italy were Giuseppe and Felice Milano in 1912‑13, then Aldo and Luigi Cevenini in 1915. In 2000 the Inzaghi brothers shared eleven minutes against England, while the Baresi and Zenoni siblings never lined up together.
“Pio Esposito is on fire”
After their dazzling display in Turkey, Pio could start against Zidane’s France on Friday at the Stade de France. Standing 1.91 m tall, he combines physical presence, precise distribution and keen opportunism, embodying Italy’s new attacking focal point. After two loan spells at La Spezia in Serie B, the striker returned to Inter in summer 2025. With two goals and one assist in five games this season, he’s become a key piece for Christian Chivu’s side alongside Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. For my money, the Esposito duo could become Italy’s new front line.
Sebastiano’s path has been less linear. Unable to cement a spot at Inter, the 1.83 m right‑feder has endured eight, now nine, loans, including stints in Switzerland with FC Basel and Belgium’s Anderlecht. Slightly smaller than Pio, he relies on technical finesse, powerful shooting and composure on set pieces.
If they keep this momentum, could the Esposito brothers lead Italy to a Euro 2028 final?
His older sibling Salvatore, sharing a name with the Gomorra star, now plies his trade as a deep‑lying playmaker for Serie B side Sampdoria. Acting as a regista, he dictates tempo, recycles possession and offers razor‑sharp vision, giving Mancini a tempting reason to reunite the whole Esposito family at the next Italy gathering.