In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Klinsmann stated that Serie A gives very little playing time to young players, but that Pio Esposito is an exception and his playing style is somewhat similar to Haaland's.

How mature is Esposito currently?

He still has much room to grow. Players need to develop through playing time and matches, and they must seize every opportunity available. I'm very happy he's getting playing time now. As a striker, development means scoring goals consistently and gradually maturing through time and accumulated experience. Young players need to play and have the chance to make mistakes, because people grow precisely by making mistakes. This is also a matter of culture and philosophy, and in that regard, Italy in general is still somewhat behind.

In what specific areas?

Unfortunately, overall, you give very little playing time to young players. Fortunately, Pio is an exception, and everyone can see that when he plays, he can perform excellently. Haaland was already a starter at 17, 18 years old, and Esposito is somewhat similar to him.

What skills do you like most about Esposito?

He's excellent with both feet, good at finding space in the box, and good at combining with teammates. He can distribute the ball to both flanks, contribute to the team's overall play, and then score goals. Pio is a typical number nine center-forward. Strikers are ultimately always measured by statistics and goals throughout their careers. For a number nine center-forward, the only thing that matters is goals. When your career ends, people always ask how many goals you scored. We strikers live for goals our entire lives. Even now, playing 11-a-side football with players over 55, I still only want to score goals.

In what other areas can Esposito improve?

With maturity, a player's tactical awareness and ability to read the game improve, and his touch will also become more refined. Pio still has much room for improvement, and it will be exciting to see him continue growing in the coming years.

Esposito is currently deputizing for the injured Thuram. Can he take over Thuram's starting position?

The Champions League needs everyone, there's no doubt about that. Lautaro is the undisputed core, leader, and captain. I hope Marcus and Pio get playing opportunities, demonstrate their abilities, and stay sharp. If Inter want to go further in Europe, both are indispensable. But it will be difficult for Marcus to get playing time now, because if Pio continues with this level of performance, you can't keep him on the bench for long. He is the future of Inter and the Italian national team.

Inter have a squad of greater quality; what are your expectations?

This squad can sometimes allow the team to change formation. There's no need to always play with three center-backs; with Spence or Bisseck on the right, the team could shift to a four-man defense. When the opponent has only one striker, it's unnecessary to maintain three center-backs. With Lautaro and two center-forwards like Pio or Thuram, the team could also play 4-4-2. There are also wingers in the squad. In the Champions League, Inter can surprise opponents by changing their style of play, because all top teams are now very familiar with Inter, and appropriate changes will help.

Will Chivu also struggle to manage a team where players could become dissatisfied?

The dressing room ultimately depends on the players themselves; they decide how much they want to win. Chivu is a very good person and an excellent coach, but he can't play for the players. Respect, fighting spirit, and determination depend on each individual player.

Is Inter being praised too much?

I hope everyone has a great season in the league, although Inter are indeed favorites to win the title. But Inter's responsibility is to perform well in the Champions League against strong teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, and deliver excellent performances in Europe.

Traduzido por IA.

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