Eighteen-year-old Italian prospect Samuele Inacio considers the chance to represent his country at 18 his “biggest dream.” He believes leaving Atalanta for Borussia Dortmund two years ago was the correct decision, stating, “It’s paying off.”
Inacio is among 24 young players selected for Italy’s upcoming international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece on June 3rd and 7th, respectively. The squad is largely comprised of players familiar to interim head coach Silvio Baldini from the youth system, with only four having previous senior caps.
Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, this represents an opportunity for a fresh start and a platform for emerging talents to prove their readiness for senior international football.
Inacio on Italy call-up, Dortmund’s impact, and following Donnarumma
The 18-year-old Dortmund forward, Inacio, shared his thoughts from the team’s training camp in Coverciano. He described his first senior call-up as an “incredible” moment of “huge pride,” realizing he had “done it.”
“It’s good for Italy to have so many young players here,” Inacio noted. “Of course, Gigio Donnarumma is also here, an idol for all of us, so we all look up to him.”
Inacio hails from a footballing family; his father, Piá, played for several Serie A clubs, including Atalanta, Napoli, and Torino. “I grew up watching my dad play and immediately fell in love with football,” Inacio recalled. His father’s best advice was “never to settle, even when things are going well,” and to always remember to “be a good person before being a footballer.”
Reflecting on his inclusion in the Italy squad at 18, Inacio spoke of “many emotions and a great desire to learn, especially from the more experienced players.” He feels a sense of responsibility, which he embraces as a source of “great pride.” “All the guys dream of playing and fighting for this shirt; it’s a privilege.”
Inacio spent his formative youth years at Atalanta before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2024. He has since scored his first Bundesliga goal this season.
When asked about leaving Italy at a young age, Inacio explained he sought “new challenges.” He found the Dortmund project “immediately intriguing” due to the club’s history and is confident he “made the right choice. It’s paying off.”
The most challenging aspect of his move to Germany has been the language, though he has received support from fellow Italians Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane. “It’s been easy to settle in, though,” he added.
While he understands and speaks some German, he is more fluent in English.
Describing his first goal in front of Dortmund’s iconic “Yellow Wall,” Inacio called it “the best moment of my life.” He experienced an “incredible feeling” and was “the happiest person in the world” after a long wait, frequently rewatching the moment on video.
Regarding the opportunity to represent the senior Italy team at just 18, Inacio reiterated, “Wearing the Azzurri shirt is my biggest dream. Many great champions have come through here. I’d like to wear the shirt at the highest levels and win a World Cup with Italy.”
