Pio and Sebastiano Esposito start for Italy in Nations League, a first for brothers since 1915

By: The Associated Press Posted: 2:30 PM CDT Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 Last Modified: 5:39 PM CDT Monday, Sep. 28, 2026

BURSA, Turkey (AP) — Pio Esposito was joined by older brother Sebastiano in the starting lineup for Italy’s Nations League match at Turkey on Monday, marking the first time two brothers have started for the Azzurri in more than a century.

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It was an international debut for the 24-year-old Sebastiano Esposito, while the 21-year-old Pio had played 10 times for Italy, scoring five goals.

Pio added another goal and an assist in a dominant 4-1 victory. Sebastiano also went close on several occasions.

Italy's Pio Esposito, right, attempts a shot at goal next to Belgium's Brandon Mechele during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and Belgium in Rome, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

“I remember well my first time for the senior Italy side, as it was only last year, so I tried not to add any more pressure onto his shoulders. I hope he enjoyed it to the max,” Pio said. “It was really wonderful sharing this experience with him and I hope to do so many more times.”

They were the fourth set of brothers to play in the same match for Italy, including Filippo and Simone Inzaghi in 2000.

However, the last time two brothers started the same match was in 1915, when Aldo and Luigi Cevenini scored all the goals in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.

Sebastiano the third Esposito brother to play for Italy

Moreover, Sebastiano completes a hat trick of Esposito brothers to have played for Italy. Salvatore Esposito, the oldest brother at 25, featured in one match in 2022.

It is the first time three brothers have played for Italy at senior level.

Pio had a breakout season with Inter Milan last campaign, while Sebastiano joined Sassuolo on loan from Cagliari in the summer.

Italy's Pio Esposito, left, celebrates with Sebastiano Esposito after scoring his side's fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Turkey and Italy in Bursa, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Italy was much improved after kicking off its Nations League campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to Belgium on Friday, in Roberto Mancini’s first match back in charge.

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