Italy were beaten 2-0 by Belgium in their Nations League opener, but Esposito remained a focal point in attack despite receiving limited service during the first half.
Stramaccioni highlighted the 20-year-old's ability to provide a consistent threat in the penalty area and felt he offered Italy an important attacking reference.
“Pio Esposito had very few playable balls in the first half. His shot that hit the post was offside, but even so it was a shot of great quality,” Stramaccioni said.
“He was absolutely the main man in the area: one shot was saved by Lemmens, but he was always a consistent focal point for the team.”
The former Inter Milan coach also questioned the decision to substitute Esposito, arguing that his presence continued to give Italy an attacking outlet.
“He must become a regular member of this team,” Stramaccioni said. “For example, today I would not have substituted him because he was always a consistent focal point.”
Esposito has established himself as an increasingly prominent option for Italy after breaking into Inter's first-team picture. Stramaccioni has previously backed the striker's development, having predicted that he could become the future centre-forward of the national team.
His latest assessment comes after another international appearance in which Stramaccioni saw enough to maintain his belief that Esposito should have an ongoing role with the Azzurri.