Pio and Sebastiano Esposito could become the fourth pair of brothers to line up together for Italy’s National team

Pio and Sebastiano Esposito, Italy’s newest band of brothers: “Being here together makes it even more special.”   Guests on ‘Azzurri Live’.   The Esposito duo could become the fourth pair of brothers to line up together for Italy’s National team.

What an incredible historic moment. It’s time for brothers Sebastiano and Francesco Pio Esposito to create another page in history by becoming the fourth pair of siblings to represent Italy’s National Football team together. They are the Azzurri’s latest brotherhood, a dynamic duo that could have been a trio if their oldest brother Salvatore had joined them—he earned his senior Italy debut before either of them back in June 2022.

The Esposito brothers making history. Consider this: at the dawn of the 20th century, Giuseppe and Felice Milano stepped onto the field as teammates, followed by Aldo and Luigi Cevenini. Then, during the 2000s, cherished brothers Filippo and Simone Inzaghi took the pitch together on two occasions.

Interestingly, Italy Head Coach Roberto Mancini was the very coach who gave Salvatore his debut. “The boss was an exceptional striker, so he can offer us tremendous guidance about the position,” Pio shared on ‘Azzurri Live’. Italy faces a demanding schedule of matches during this international break. “Playing four games in such rapid succession is unfamiliar territory for all of us, but it’s going to be fantastic. These are four crucial, top-tier matches and we’re eager to begin.” The first challenge comes against Belgium in Rome on Friday. “Playing at the Olimpico from the start will give us an advantage,” Sebastiano noted. “However, we’re determined to earn points no matter if we’re competing at home or away.”

A MUSICAL DEBUT.

Pio already has nine caps and five goals for Italy, but, as he puts it, “Every time I return to the national team, it feels almost like the first time. It is always an incredible feeling.” Sebastiano, meanwhile, hopes to play his first senior minutes for Italy over the next fortnight. He did at least make his singing debut at the team dinner yesterday, alongside the other newcomers. A proud Neapolitan, he chose to perform ’O surdato ’nnamurato, one of Massimo Ranieri’s best-known songs. “And I have to say he was the best,” Pio admitted. “Yes, I sang fifth and thankfully the first four had been terrible,” Sebastiano replied.

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FOOTBALL, THE TIE THAT BINDS.

Both have already found the net this season. Pio has scored twice for Inter, while Sebastiano, who joined Sassuolo in the summer, quickly made an impression on his new supporters by opening the scoring in last week’s home win over Juventus. “Being part of the national team is incredible in itself and a dream come true,” Sebastiano said. “Being here with my brother makes it even more special. After Salvatore and Pio, I would never have forgiven myself if I had not been called up for Italy…” Sebastiano also revealed that Pio could have followed a very different career path: “When we were children, Salva and I would put him in goal and take shots at him. We almost convinced him to become a goalkeeper…” The brothers were also keen to thank their father Agostino and mother Flavia, the true secret behind their success. “They have always put us, their children, before everything else. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful parents. There have never been any arguments between us, and we have always shared a very strong bond built on love.”

LOOKING TO BUILD ON SUCCESS.

Maintaining your standards in football is never easy. After making an important contribution to Inter’s Scudetto triumph and establishing himself with Italy, Pio knows expectations are now high. “Last year brought a lot of firsts for me, both with Inter and Italy. I just try to stay true to myself, remain humble and work hard.” He now knows almost everyone in the Azzurri squad. “I played alongside many of the new faces at Under-21 level. This national team has the right blend of youth and experience. I know how badly the senior players were hurt by missing out on the World Cup. There is a lot of enthusiasm about making a fresh start.”