Francesco Pio Esposito has long been touted as a star of the future.

Still a teenager, he turns 20 at the end of June and has been on the books of Inter Milan since he was a kid.

But for the past two seasons he has been terrorising Serie B defenders while on loan at Spezia as they try to carve a way back to the top flight.

And at times, it has been a joy to watch.

Having risen through the ranks at the Nerazzurri academy, stepping up to the professional level has been a smooth process.

“I’m young, but I don’t consider myself a rookie. I’ve already had a full season behind me, and every day I play with the goal of returning to the top flight with Spezia,” he said earlier this campaign.

Scoring 15 goals in 31 league appearances, he has been integral to their promotion push as they sit third in the table, nine points behind the automatic promotion places but four ahead of fourth with four games to go.

Operating with a maturity and confidence beyond his years, Esposito’s opponents have endured a torrid time keeping the physical, athletic and technical striker quiet.

Rippling the net from a range of locations and distances, standing at 6ft 3in he is a threat with his feet and in the air and provides plenty of options for his team-mates.

The graphics below depict his tidy shot selection in and around goal.

His intelligent movement and reading of the play heightens the prospect of him getting on the end of through balls, cutbacks and crosses.

There does not appear to be any real weakness. If anything, he can on occasion drift out of games and has taken on some low-percentage shots, but given his young age he is close to a complete player. It is impressive that his longest spell without a Serie B goal this season is only four matches.

“He’s a natural footballer with an eye for goal. He’s physically imposing and has a promising future,” Italy boss Luciano Spalletti said of the forward who has been capped up to Under-21 level.

And former Italy goal machine Ciro Immobile is a fan, naming Esposito when asked by chiamarsibomber.com earlier this season which player he sees himself in.

A strong, commanding and fearsome presence, he offers a good option when his team goes long, winning second balls via knock-downs and flick-ons. He can outmuscle the opposition to provide a target and reference point for attacks.

His hold-up play is also worth a mention for he expertly shields the ball while waiting for colleagues with his back to goal and offers himself as an outlet to connect the midfield and attack.

Choosing wisely when to drop deep between the lines, when to surge in behind and spotting gaps and weaknesses in backlines has been crucial.

Adept with the ball at his feet and astute at weaving away from danger in close quarters, he has a neat first touch and good control, meaning he can draw opponents and create space for others.

With vision and plenty of imagination, he is no slouch when it comes to creating opportunities for others. His precise combination play, nifty passes round the corner, measured through balls, incisive crossing and capacity to switch the play adds to his menace.

The way he has adjusted to the demands of the men’s game has not gone unnoticed.

Inter smartly extended his contract until 2030 and reportedly increased his salary to over €1million a season as Manchester United, Napoli, Bologna, Torino and Leicester have been credited with an interest in signing him.

On the international stage he has bagged seven goals and three assists in 11 caps for Italy U21s.

Experienced Catanzaro defender Nicolo Brighenti was full of praise for the phenom when speaking to La Gazzetta del Sud, saying: “Beyond the great goal he scored against us, I am sure that Pio Esposito will become a great player. He has the right attitude and excellent technical qualities: he is a modern and truly complete striker.”

Right in the hunt for the Pablito (top scorer award) and continuing to do his family proud alongside brothers Salvatore (also Spezia) and Sebastiano (Empoli), his focus will be closing the campaign on a high note.

Scarily good already and with the world at his feet, whether he returns to Inter and a place in Simone Inzaghi’s first-team plans or heads for another loan spell will be a major talking point this summer.

He could be ready to serve as back-up to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram or play a leading role for another Serie A outfit. Whatever happens, do not be surprised to see him to in the top flight next term.

Image credits: Wyscout