Sampdoria striker Sebastiano Esposito jokingly manhandled his coach, Andrea Pirlo, after scoring a brace for the Blucerchiati against Lecco on Saturday.
Esposito inspired Sampdoria’s 2-0 win over Lecco at Marassi with a brace and pulled out a rather unusual celebration on the touchline after his second goal.
The Inter loanee ran towards his coach Pirlo and manhandled the former midfielder for a few seconds before hugging him.
The Blucerchiati have had highs and lows this season and currently sit 10th with 19 points in 16 matches. Leaders Parma and Venezia are 14 points above Samp.
Esposito has scored three goals in 12 Serie B appearances this season.
Pirlo spoke about the 21-year-old’s celebration during a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia.
“I have a nice relationship with him, like with the other players,” said the former Milan and Juventus star.
“I try to motivate him because he is a quality player and must give more. He can’t be happy and relaxed with the qualities he has. He must do more to have the ambition to play on different stages. He must improve with his left foot; he doesn’t use it much and must improve in these things to be more dangerous in front of the goal.”
Esposito se exaltou um pouco na comemoração com Pirlo. pic.twitter.com/b8I5mYqaig
— Leonardo Bertozzi (@lbertozzi) December 9, 2023