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Esposito brothers start together for Italy, first since 1915
Pio and Sebastiano Esposito started together for Italy against Turkey on 28 September, the first time two brothers have started for the Azzurri since 1915. Sebastiano's debut completed a family milestone, as older brother Salvatore had previously played for Italy in 2022, making them the first three brothers to represent Italy at senior level.
Quick Facts
- Pio and Sebastiano Esposito started together in Italy's UEFA Nations League match
- Sebastiano made his senior international debut
- First time two brothers have started for Italy since 1915
- Italy lost 2–0 to Belgium in their previous Nations League match
- Pio Esposito




Pio and Sebastiano Esposito made history on 28 September when they started together in Italy's UEFA Nations League match against Turkey in Bursa, marking the first time two brothers have started for the Azzurri since 1915. The 21-year-old Pio, who had earned 10 caps and scored five goals before the match, was joined by his 24-year-old brother Sebastiano in his senior international debut. Coach Roberto Mancini fielded both players from the opening whistle in a match Italy needed to win after losing 2–0 to Belgium in their campaign opener.
The Esposito brothers are the fourth set of brothers to play together for Italy's senior team, but the first to start from kickoff in over a century. The last brothers to start together were Aldo and Luigi Cevenini on 31 January 1915, in a 3–1 victory over Switzerland; Aldo and Luigi scored all three Italian goals in that match. More recently, Filippo and Simone Inzaghi played together on 15 November 2000 against England, but Simone came on as a substitute in the 61st minute while Filippo was replaced in the 72nd, sharing only 11 minutes on the pitch.
Pio plays for Inter Milan, where he had a breakout season, while Sebastiano joined Sassuolo on loan from Cagliari over the summer. Both brothers had previously been selected together for Italy's Under-21 squad in 2025. The achievement is part of a broader family milestone: their older brother Salvatore, 25, played for Italy in a Nations League match against England in 2022, making the Esposito brothers the first trio of siblings to represent Italy at senior level.
Topics
Why This Matters
The Esposito brothers' simultaneous lineup marks a documented family achievement in international football: three siblings representing Italy at senior level across different years (2022–2025). Both players compete in Serie A (Pio for Inter Milan, Sebastiano on loan at Sassuolo), and their selection reflects current squad availability in a competitive UEFA Nations League campaign where Italy seeks to recover after an opening 2–0 loss to Belgium.
Timeline & Sources
Mar 17, 1912
WireMilano brothers (first pair) played together for Italy against France
Jan 31, 1915
WireAldo and Luigi Cevenini start together for Italy vs Switzerland (3-1), scoring all goals
Sep 28, 2026
WirePio and Sebastiano Esposito start together for Italy vs Turkey in UEFA Nations League
Sep 28, 2026
WirePio and Sebastiano Esposito start together for Italy against Turkey; Sebastiano makes senior debut
Related Signals
Sources
- Esposito Brothers Italy Pio Sebastiano B4dc669c2a25cc7cf622288214fdbe19apWireSep 28, 2026
- Italia: Pio e Sebastiano Esposito insieme in campo 26 anni dopo gli InzaghiSportmediasetMediaSep 28, 2026
- Italia, i fratelli Esposito in campo insieme contro la TurchiaStartupbusiness.itMediaSep 28, 2026
- Pio and Sebastiano Esposito start for Italy, a first for brothers since 1915Yahoo SportsMediaSep 28, 2026
- Come sono andati i fratelli Esposito in Turchia-Italia: assist e goal per Pio, Sebastiano promosso al debuttoGoal.comMediaSep 28, 2026
- Esposito, Inzaghi e... Tutte le coppie di fratelli in AzzurroSky SportMediaSep 28, 2026
- Italia, i fratelli Esposito in campo insieme contro la TurchiaEsperia TvMediaSep 28, 2026