There is something quietly brewing in the Italian camp, and his name is Francesco Pio Esposito. The Inter striker has a knack for the moment, and his...
There is something quietly brewing in the Italian camp, and his name is Francesco Pio Esposito. The Inter striker has a knack for the moment, and his second consecutive goal for the Azzurri was enough to secure a hard fought 1. 0 victory over Greece in Athens. The win keeps manager Baldini's perfect record intact, but the scoreline tells only half the story.This was no walk in the park. Greece, as they always do on home soil, parked the bus early and dared Italy to break them down. For long stretches, the visitors looked frustrated, their passing sideways rather than penetrating. Yet there is a resilience to this Italian side, a refusal to let the game slip away. When the chance came, it was Esposito who showed the clinical finishing that has made him a name to watch. A sharp turn, a composed strike, and the net bulged. No fuss, no celebration. Just the quiet confidence of a young man who knows his job.Baldini deserves credit for the tactical flexibility he has instilled. Against Greece's low block, Italy did not resort to long balls or desperate crosses. They kept the ball, shifted the point of attack, and waited for the Greek discipline to crack. It cracked only once, but that was enough. The defensive shape remained solid, and when the home side belatedly pushed forward in the second half, Italy's transitional play was sharp enough to snuff out danger before it became a crisis.The question now is whether Baldini can maintain this momentum when the opposition grows stronger. Patience is a virtue, but against top sides, you need more than one moment. For now, though, let the Italian fans enjoy this. A perfect record, a rising star, and a manager who seems to know exactly what he is doing. What more could you ask for
