Mario Giuffredi, one of Italy’s leading football agents, has recently shared insights regarding several of his clients as Italy prepares for its World Cup playoff final against Bosnia. He discussed Pio Esposito’s potential starting position, Matteo Politano’s impressive development, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s injury status.
Regarding whether Pio Esposito should begin the match against Bosnia, Giuffredi was cautious not to pressure the coaching staff, stating in quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb,
“Gattuso knows how to make the right decisions for the national team; he doesn’t require anyone’s advice,” he remarked. “Pio Esposito is a player with a strong personality. If he’s called upon to start, he will approach the game with the same simplicity he brings to every match—this is one of his key attributes.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter warms up before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Following Pio Esposito’s Comments, Giuffredi Shifts Focus to Napoli Players
Matteo Politano, who shone alongside Tonali in the game against Northern Ireland, received enthusiastic commendations from his agent.
“When he was at Inter, he wasn’t mentally prepared for the demands of his current role,” Giuffredi noted. “Now, he is more mature and willing to embrace the responsibilities of a complete wide midfielder. He and Tonali were the standout performers against Northern Ireland. Oddly enough, he’s becoming stronger over time, which is not typical, as most players tend to decline.”
Di Lorenzo will not make the trip to Bosnia, having already made a notable personal sacrifice to play against Northern Ireland while coping with a serious injury.
“He departed after his afternoon therapy sessions and returned to Naples at 6 AM the following day,” Giuffredi explained. He also expressed hope that Di Lorenzo might make a return to play in the final week of April.
Giuffredi shared his disappointment regarding Antonio Vergara, another Napoli player who has recently entered Conte’s plans but is now sidelined by injury. “He could have received a call-up for the national team. The timing of his injury is particularly unfortunate.” Discussions about a contract renewal are expected at season’s end.
Additionally, Giuffredi expressed high hopes for Torino loanee Luca Marianucci, a former Napoli academy player. “I firmly believe he is part of Italy’s future,” he said. “I’ve made similar remarks about Hysaj, Mario Rui, Di Lorenzo, and Politano in the past, and I’ve rarely been wrong about Napoli players.”