The 21-year-old strengthened his growing reputation with two goals in Italy’s 3-1 Nations League victory over France at San Siro on November 12. His performance prompted fresh discussion about his importance to both club and country, but Giuffredi was clear when asked about his client’s plans.
“Did I speak to Pio after the match against France? Pio’s future is at Inter, without a doubt. He is very happy.”
Speaking to Radio Napoli Centrale, the agent also praised the relationship between the player and the club, suggesting there was little reason to consider a move elsewhere.
“The club has always shown attachment and recognition. Pio will definitely remain at Inter for many years. It is his second skin.”
Esposito, born in 2005, has become an increasingly important figure for Inter after progressing through the club’s system and establishing himself in the senior side. His latest international performance has added further weight to the expectation surrounding him.
There has also been discussion of comparisons with Giuseppe Meazza, one of Italian football’s most celebrated figures. Giuffredi was reluctant to encourage such talk, insisting that the player and those around him were keeping their feet on the ground.
“We look at everything with serenity and balance. I live with this idea: we go to sleep at night knowing that by morning everything could be over. That allows us not to become complacent about certain things.”
Giuffredi also discussed the performances of Pio’s brothers, Sebastiano and Salvatore, during the same international occasion. Both Pio and Sebastiano were involved in penalty incidents against France, while Salvatore was with the family during the match.
“I didn’t see either of Pio and Sebastiano’s penalties. I was having dinner with Salvatore Esposito. We understood what was happening from the reactions of the other people at the table.”
The agent felt Pio had carried the responsibility of the occasion and that scoring against France helped put the memory of his earlier penalty disappointment against Bosnia behind him.
“Pio felt the responsibility of the match. Scoring that penalty against France took away the thought of the penalty against Bosnia. Pio has a long career ahead of him and can improve his statistics with the national team and his club.”
Giuffredi was also keen to defend Sebastiano’s contribution, arguing that his tactical work deserved greater recognition than the attention given to his missed penalty.
“Sebastiano’s performance was tactically intelligent. He played in positions on the pitch that were not his own. I’m sorry that journalists don’t take these aspects into consideration, but limit themselves to looking at the missed penalty. To miss that penalty, you have to have the courage to take it. At 1-1, against that goalkeeper and that national team, you need courage.”
For Pio, however, the message from his representative was unmistakable. His two-goal display against France has strengthened his standing, but Giuffredi sees no reason for the striker to look beyond Inter Milan.