Sebastiano Esposito has spoken of the pride of earning his first senior Italy call-up, and of sharing the moment with his younger brother Francesco Pio.

Speaking to Vivo Azzurro TV at Coverciano, with quotes via FirenzeViola , the Sassuolo forward revealed Roberto Mancini’s message to the new arrivals. “What did Mancini tell us? To enjoy it. In general, coming to the national team is fantastic and sometimes you struggle to enjoy it because of the emotions you feel. Doing it with your brother is even better. He gave us advice on the pitch to perform better.”

Italy open their Nations League campaign against Belgium at the Olimpico on Friday, Mancini’s first game back in charge. “It definitely helps, given how we experience football in Italy. It will be an even more beautiful emotion, but home or away, we care about doing very well and we will try to take points.”

Esposito credited his path through the youth ranks, having lost an Under-17 European Championship final. “They teach you the honours and responsibilities of the national team from when you are young. Understanding that early takes you forward, towards life and the badge you are wearing. We both played tournaments with Inter and were fortunate in that respect, but representing your country is something else.”

He also shared an anecdote about Pio’s childhood. “When he was little, we always put him in goal. He was short, Salvatore and I were a bit bossy with him. We almost convinced him to become a goalkeeper. Thank goodness that didn’t happen.”

The three brothers remain close to their roots in Castellammare di Stabia. “For us it is a source of pride. We have seen many beautiful cities, especially me, abroad as well. But it remains the most beautiful city in the world. Every time we can go back, we do, and we help the people there. There have never been arguments between us, the bond is built on love. But when Pio misses a goal, we tease him. And that happens often.”

The call-up follows a strong start at Sassuolo, where he opened the scoring in the 3-2 win over Juventus. “The emotion is huge, we can’t wait for Friday. We are lucky to both have a pinch of recklessness.”