Vincenzo Esposito was born in Turin, on February 5, 1963.
He started his football with the Torino youth set up and later made his first team debut on March 14, 1982, in a home game against Fiorentina. He played one other league game that season, under former Lazio player Massimo Giacomini, and Toro finished 9th. His teammates included future Lazio Giuliano Terraneo (1986-87), Paolo Beruatto (1987-90), Claudio Sclosa (1988-94) and Roberto Cravero (1992-95).
In 1982 Esposito joined Prato in C2 and stayed four seasons. In his first the "Lanieri" (Wool Weavers) were promoted, there followed a relegation, another promotion and finally an 8th place. In his four years in Tuscany, he played 116 league games with 1 goal. His teammates included Stefano Chiodi (1980-81, 1982-83).
In 1986 he joined Lazio in Serie B. The Biancocelesti were supposed to be trying for promotion but were then docked nine points in August for allegations of match fixing. The manager was Eugenio Fascetti and Lazio ultimately managed to avoid relegation in a three -team playoff by beating Campobasso 1-0. Esposito played 24 league games and 5 in Coppa Italia.
In 1987-88 he stayed in Rome and Lazio finally won promotion. He played 23 league games and 5 in Coppa Italia.
In 1988-89 he played in Serie A but with Atalanta. Under manager Emiliano Mondonico the Nerazzurri finished an impressive 6th. Esposito played 28 league games and 11 in Coppa Italia (Atalanta reached semi-finals). His teammates included, former Lazio, Oliviero Garlini (1984-86) plus future Lazio Claudio Vertova (1990-92) and Armando Madonna (1990-91).
In 1989-90 Esposito moved to Cesena in Serie A. He stayed three seasons with 12th, 17th (relegation) and 8th (in B) places. He played 52 league games and scored 3 goals (all in A, Lecce, Genoa, Bari). His managers were Marcello Lippi (future World Champion), Alberto Battistoni and Attilio Perrotti. His teammates included, former Lazio, Amarildo (1989-90), Fabio Calcaterra (1985-86) plus, future Lazio, Sergio Domini (1990-91) and Marco Ballotta (1997-2000, 2005-08).
In 1992 he returned to Prato in Serie C2. He stayed another four seasons with the "Fiordalisi" (Bluebottles). The Biancazzurri won promotion, then finished 13th, 7th and 8th in C1. Esposito played 72 league games with 6 goals. His managers were Roberto Bicchierai the first two years and Giorgio Valeri the next two.
At 33 he then retired and went straight into coaching.
He started as assistant manager at Prato in C1 and then took over during the season and arrived 6th. From 1998 to 2004 he was first team coach with the Biancazzurri. They finished 4th, 4th, 4th, 1st (promotion to C1), 8th, 17th (relegation). In 2001 they won the C1 Coppa Italia.
In 2004 he was with Grossetto in C1 (replaced during season). In 2005 with Albinoleffe in B (replaced during season). From 2006-2009 he was manager of Inter U19's where he won a Scudetto and the prestigious Viareggio youth tournament. He then spent two years with Ravenna in D, a 13th place was followed by a sacking during his second season.
In 2011 he returned to Prato again, in Serie D. In the following four seasons the Lanieri finished 14th, 12th, 10th and 13th.
He then had a break but went back to Prato in 2019. The Biancazzurri finished 2nd in Serie D. The following year he resigned after 17 matches.
In 2021-22 he took over at Livorno during the season. The Amaranto were in the 5th tier but he himself resigned before the end of the season. For the record Livorno finished 2nd but got promoted anyway due to another club's misdemeanours.
Esposito was a defensive midfielder. A hardworking, dynamic player, rarely in the limelight but useful to the team. He played 81 games in Serie A with 3 goals. His highpoints were with Atalanta, Cesena and Lazio.
At Lazio he is remembered as one of the -9 heroes. He was part of one of the most popular squads in Lazio's history. A dramatic relegation escape earned them cult status. Esposito also stayed on to win promotion back to Serie A the following season. He played 57 games for the Biancocelesti.
Lazio Career
Season | Total appearances | Serie B | Coppa Italia |
1986-87 | 29 | 24 | 5 |
1987-88 | 28 | 23 | 5 |
Total | 57 | 47 | 10 |
Sources
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