Pio and Sebastiano Esposito Could Make Italy History After 26-Year Wait

Italy could witness a rare moment in its international football history when brothers Pio and Sebastiano Esposito potentially share the pitch for the Azzurri.

The two forwards have both been selected by Roberto Mancini for Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, creating the possibility of a sibling partnership that has not been seen at senior international level for more than two decades. 

Esposito Brothers Eye Historic Italy Appearance

Pio Esposito, an Inter forward, and Sebastiano Esposito, who plays for Sassuolo, are part of Mancini’s latest Italy squad.

Should the brothers appear together in the same match, they would become only the fourth pair of siblings to play alongside each other for Italy’s senior men’s team.

The last time that happened was in November 2000, when Filippo and Simone Inzaghi shared the field during Italy’s friendly against England in Turin. The brothers played together for 11 minutes. 

With Italy beginning a new chapter under Mancini, the Espositos now have an opportunity to add their family name to one of the national team’s more unusual records.

The Inzaghi Brothers Set the Previous Benchmark

The Inzaghi brothers remain the most recent example of two siblings representing Italy together.

Simone came off the bench during the second half against England in 2000, while Filippo was later substituted into the match before eventually leaving the field himself.

Their brief spell together remains the most recent occasion on which two brothers have actually shared the pitch for the Azzurri.

Pio and Sebastiano could now bring that wait to an end during the current Nations League campaign. 

Italy’s Sibling History Goes Back More Than a Century

The story of brothers playing together for Italy began long before the Inzaghi era.

Giuseppe and Felice Milano were the first pair to achieve the feat, playing together during the early years of the national team.

Aldo and Luigi Cevenini later became the second pair, including a memorable appearance against Switzerland in 1915 when both brothers scored in a 3-1 victory.

The Inzaghi brothers then became the third pair, leaving the Espositos on the verge of potentially becoming the fourth. 

Baresi Brothers Also Shared an Italy Squad

Italy’s history also includes famous brothers who were called up together without playing in the same match.

Among the most notable examples are Giuseppe and Franco Baresi.

The two legendary defenders were both included in Italy’s squad for the 1980 European Championship, although neither featured during the tournament.

Their careers with the national team developed at different times, meaning they never managed to share the pitch for Italy. 

Cristian and Damiano Zenoni experienced a similar situation in 2001. Both twins were called up for a friendly against Argentina, but only Cristian eventually played.

The Esposito Story Is Bigger Than Two Brothers

Pio and Sebastiano are not the only Esposito brothers to have represented Italy.

Their older brother Salvatore made his senior debut for the national team in June 2022 against England.

That means the Esposito family already has three brothers who have reached the senior Italy setup, although Salvatore is not part of Mancini’s current squad.

The possibility of Pio and Sebastiano appearing together would therefore add another remarkable chapter to their family’s football story. 

Mancini Has Been Guiding the Brothers

The current Italy camp has also provided the Esposito brothers with an opportunity to learn directly from Mancini.

Sebastiano explained that the coach has offered advice on movement and positioning, particularly in attacking situations.

The brothers are also sharing a room at Italy’s Coverciano training centre, adding another personal dimension to their first senior international experience together. 

Sebastiano has spoken about how special it is to experience the national team alongside his younger brother, while also highlighting the family’s close bond and their roots in Castellammare di Stabia.

Pio Already Has an Italy Goal

Pio Esposito has already opened his senior international account.

The Inter striker scored his first Italy goal against Estonia, describing the moment as an instinctive reaction and a release of emotion.

His progress has helped earn him an important place in Mancini’s plans as Italy searches for attacking options for the next stage of its development. 

Sebastiano, meanwhile, has earned his first senior call-up after making an impressive start to the season with Sassuolo.

Italy Begin New Nations League Campaign

Mancini’s current squad contains several new faces as the coach begins his second spell in charge of the Azzurri.

Italy’s Nations League schedule begins against Belgium at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on September 25, followed by a meeting with Türkiye three days later. Further fixtures against France and Türkiye are also scheduled in the opening phase of the campaign. 

The Esposito brothers will therefore have several opportunities to make history.

Whether they actually play together remains a decision for Mancini, but the possibility alone has created a special storyline around Italy’s latest international generation.

A Special Opportunity for the Esposito Family

Italy has produced several famous footballing families, but only three pairs of brothers have previously shared the pitch for the senior national team.

Pio and Sebastiano Esposito now stand on the verge of joining that exclusive group.

For the brothers, the achievement would be about more than a statistic. It would represent the latest step in a family journey that has already seen three Espositos reach the senior Azzurri setup.

If Mancini puts both forwards on the field together, their names will enter another unique chapter of Italian football history.