Mancini lifts Sebastiano Esposito from Anderlecht flop to Italy squad
Roberto Mancini has included 24‑year‑old Sebastiano Esposito in his latest Italy squad, a decision that left RSC Anderlecht supporters stunned after the striker’s underwhelming loan spell at the Belgian club.
Anderlecht loan failed to spark potential
During his time at RSC Anderlecht, Esposito “did not show the germs of a great striker”, according to the source. The loan, intended to revive his career, instead highlighted his limitations and left many fans bewildered when his name reappeared on Mancini’s list.
Inter Milan, who originally spotted his talent, had noted his abilities, yet his performances in Belgium failed to convince, reinforcing the perception of a flop at Anderlecht.
Italy’s squad reshuffle and competition up front
Mancini’s overhaul of the Italian core follows a “terrible decline of the Squadra”, prompting the inclusion of 34 players to address offensive frailties. Esposito’s selection is not based on recent form but on the sheer depth of the forward line.
Mancini weighs Pio and Kean duo for the match against Belgium
Among the forwards considered are Samuele Ignacio of Borussia Dortmund, who has earned ten senior caps, and Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta, who has scored once in 22 appearances. Mohamed Ali Zoma, a prodigy currently playing in Germany’s second division, also features in the conversation, highlighting Italy’s reliance on lower‑league talent.
Esposito’s brother, Pio, is valued at €50 million and has already netted 13 goals for Inter, positioning him as a favourite to start in the upcoming Nations League match against Belgium.
Despite scoring eight goals for Cagliari last season and ten for Empoli before that, Esposito’s record was deemed insufficient to place him among Italy’s historic greats such as Toni, Inzaghi, Totti or Baggio.
Nevertheless, Mancini’s decision underscores the challenges facing the Azzurra as they prepare for a “group of death” in the Nations League, with the Belgium match looming on Friday.