Ex AC Milan, Juventus & Inter Striker Urges Italy Starlet To Keep His Feet On The Ground: “You Score Two Goals & Suddenly You’re Boninsegna”

Christian Vieri has advised Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito to stay grounded and not get carried away by media hype.

Speaking to La Repubblica via FCInterNews, Vieri also delivered his verdict on an intense Serie A title race.

With only one point separating the top four sides, this could be the most dramatic Scudetto battle of the century.

Indeed, AC Milan lead the way, yet they are level on points with Napoli and only one point clear of Inter and Roma.

Despite suffering four defeats in the opening 13 rounds, Cristian Chivu’s men are firmly in the race for their 21st league title.

Moreover, the Nerazzurri bounced back from a gut-wrenching defeat in the Milan derby with a 2-0 win at Pisa on Sunday.

Lautaro Martinez inspired his side to a morale-boosting victory at the Arena Garibaldi with a match-winning brace.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito made a crucial contribution off the bench, setting up El Toro for the opening goal.

In doing so, the 20-year-old registered his first-ever assist in Serie A.

Christian Vieri Tells Inter Milan Starlet Pio Esposito to Keep His Feet on the Ground

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Asked about growing media hype around Esposito, Vieri replied: “It happened in my days too.

“You score two goals, and suddenly you’re Boninsegna. It’s a pointless game; everyone has their own path.

“The way to succeed is one: hard work, the right mindset, and taking care of your body. And no excuses.

“Pio seems to be on the right track.”

Moreover, Vieri praised Ange-Yoan Bonny and Inter target Nico Paz.

“Other Serie A forwards? Bonny is strong. Nico Paz has class,” he added. “I’m not surprised Real Madrid wants to bring him back home.

“The striker market is crazy right now. Ronaldo “Il Fenomeno” would cost 500 million.

“For the others, it depends on the number of goals.

“Nowadays, forwards contribute a lot defensively, but what really matters is putting the ball in the net.”

Then, he commented on the Scudetto race.

“It’s too early to say,” Vieri claimed. “All the teams have flaws. Milan drops points against the small clubs, Inter against the big ones.

“Roma, Napoli, and Bologna have also left something behind. Allegri is right – we’ll understand more in March.”