Esposito: "Inter has been my dream since I was a kid, I will give everything for this team"

SEATTLE - It is the evening before Inter vs. River Plate: the Nerazzurri are getting ready for their last game in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup, which will decide our path in the Round of 16.

Francesco Pio Esposito made his first team debut for Inter in the match against Urawa Red Diamonds, coming on for his brother Sebastiano. His first game came after 11 years in the Inter youth academy.

These are the 2005-born Inter forward's first words after his debut, in preparation for the game against River.

What emotions were you feeling on your first team debut? "It was an incredible emotion, I am proud to have made my dream debut. 11 years ago I began wearing this shirt as a kid and I really wanted to make this dream happen". Do you expect to play as a starter? "I give my all in every training, even if I only played a minute I would give everything: I am so honoured to be here, and I will put my all into it. Scoring a goal is a whole other dream". You and Sebastiano are part of Inter history as brothers representing the badge. Furthermore, you played with the captain, Lautaro, by your side. What can you tell us about how this felt? "Me and Sebastiano are in a room together, we talk about everything, not only football. We discuss things, not necessarily anything in particular, but he gives me advice as a few years ago he got his debut and he has experienced what I am going through. It's so great to play alongside Lautaro, it's an honour: every day I try and learn from him and all my other teammates". What do you expect from River Plate? "They are very intense, but we are focused on doing our best to ensure qualification".

What did the gaffer say when he subbed you on against Urawa? "The boss told me to play my game: to get in the box, protect the ball and then try and score. I am a physical player and I always like to play with the whole team".