Esposito Poised To Start For Italy Versus Norway As Gattuso Eyes Two-Striker Plan

Moise Kean’s absence clears a path for the Inter forward, whose rise has accelerated with two goals in limited caps.

Overview

Italy host Norway in a World Cup qualifier at San Siro, with major outlets reporting a shift to a two‑centre‑forward setup.
La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport back pairing Francesco Pio Esposito with Matías Retegui after the duo helped turn the match in Chisinau against Moldova.
Multiple reports say Esposito is expected to replace the injured Kean and start up front, though Italy have not formally confirmed the lineup.
Erling Haaland said he knows little about Esposito but respects anyone who plays for Italy and reiterated that a future move to Serie A cannot be ruled out.
France’s L’Équipe profiles Esposito as a leading Italian prospect, highlighting his development under Christian Chivu at Inter and his early scoring impact for the Azzurri.