Sebastiano Esposito, currently on loan to Empoli, doesn’t feel any regret about his decision to skip the U17 World Cup a few years back. The opportunity to make his debut for Inter Milan was something he couldn’t pass up, even if it meant missing out on the international stage.
Esposito, now 22, comes from a family deeply connected to football. He and his brothers have all been part of Inter Milan’s system at some point. His older brother, Salvatore, has already moved on to Spezia, while his younger sibling, Francesco Pio, is still with Inter but playing on loan.
Sebastiano’s journey has taken him to Empoli, where he’s quickly made a positive impact. But his story with Inter Milan began when he was just a teenager under the guidance of Antonio Conte. Breaking into the first team was a significant challenge, especially with established stars like Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, and Lautaro Martinez ahead of him.
Trade-Off: Inter Milan Debut Versus U17 World Cup
For Esposito, the decision to stay with Inter instead of competing in the U17 World Cup was tough at first. He admits feeling disappointed initially, especially since the World Cup is a major event for any young player. But looking back, he values the experience he gained by staying with Inter and making his debut in Serie A and the Champions League.
Esposito recalls a special moment at the San Siro when the fans encouraged Lukaku to let him take a penalty against Genoa. That moment, where he was handed the ball by Lukaku after the crowd chanted his name, remains a cherished memory for the young striker.
In the end, Esposito sees his time with Inter as a trade-off that paid off well. Missing the World Cup was a loss, but the experience and memories he gained by staying with the club are things he wouldn’t trade for anything.
