Samuele Inacio: Italy vs Brazil for Teenage Forward
Italy are preparing to fast‑track Samuele Inacio into competitive action with the senior national team as Brazil step up their efforts to secure the 18-year-old forward for the Selecao.
Reports on Thursday indicate that the Azzurri are considering a call-up for the Borussia Dortmund youngster as early as September, with the clear intention of handing him a competitive debut to lock in his international future.
Dual-national jewel in demand
Inacio is widely regarded as one of the standout prospects in Italy’s youth setup, but his international future is anything but straightforward. Born in Bergamo to an Italian mother and a Brazilian father, Pia – a former forward who played for Atalanta, Napoli and several other Italian clubs – he remains eligible for both nations.
His rise has already taken him beyond Serie A. After coming through Atalanta’s academy, Inacio moved to Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, a switch that only sharpened interest from national team scouts.
Italy moved first. Interim head coach Silvio Baldini handed him a senior debut in June, when Inacio featured in a friendly against Luxembourg. That appearance, though, carries no competitive weight under FIFA rules, so the door remains wide open for Brazil.
Brazil make their move
That open door has not gone unnoticed in South America. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Brazil have recently dispatched scouts to track Inacio closely, including during Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Cup in London.
Their interest is not casual. The Selecao are said to be seriously considering capping the teenager in an official competition, a move that would tie him to Brazil for the long term.
The race has now sharpened. Italy know they cannot afford to wait.
Azzurri push to secure commitment
Di Marzio’s report claims Inacio’s current priority remains with Italy. The Azzurri, aware of that stance but also of Brazil’s growing pressure, are working on a plan to give the forward minutes in a competitive fixture as soon as possible.
That opportunity could arrive in September, when Italy return to official action. One appearance in a competitive match would change everything, closing off Brazil’s hopes and confirming one of Europe’s most intriguing young forwards as an Azzurri player for years to come.
The next squad list may not just be about form. It could decide which shirt Samuele Inacio wears for the rest of his career.
