Eighteen-year-old Samuele Inacio, a rising talent for Italy, has revealed that representing his country is his “biggest dream.” He also emphasized that his move from Atalanta to Borussia Dortmund two years ago was the correct decision, stating, “It’s paying off.”
Inacio is among 24 young players selected to represent Italy in upcoming international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece on June 3 and June 7, respectively. The interim coach, Silvio Baldini, who typically manages the U21 squad, has assembled a team primarily composed of players he knows from the youth setup. Only four of the 24 called up have prior senior international caps for Italy.
Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, this presents an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance for promising young talents to demonstrate their readiness for senior-level competition.
Inacio Discusses Italy Call-up, Dortmund Move, and Following Donnarumma
Among those eager for a chance in the upcoming matches is 18-year-old Dortmund forward Inacio, who shared his thoughts from the team’s training camp in Coverciano.
“I was at home when the call-ups were announced. It was incredible to see my name on the list. I said to myself, ‘I did it!’ This is the senior national team, a moment of immense pride,” Inacio stated, reflecting on his first call-up.
“It’s a positive development for Italy to have so many young players here. Of course, Gigio Donnarumma is also here, an idol for all of us, and we all look up to him,” he added.
Inacio comes from a footballing family, with his father, Piá, having 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 shared. “His best advice to me was to never be complacent, even when things are going well, to always feel like I have to start again. And, more importantly, to be a good person before being a footballer.”
Reflecting on his inclusion in the Italy squad at 18, Inacio said, “There are a lot of emotions and a great desire to learn, especially from the more experienced players. I feel a sense of responsibility, but I like it. It’s a source of great pride. Every player dreams of playing and fighting for this shirt; it’s a privilege.”
Inacio spent his early youth career at Atalanta but decided to move to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund in 2024. He has since scored his first Bundesliga goal this season.
When asked about his decision to leave Italy at a young age, Inacio explained, “To face new challenges. The Dortmund project immediately intrigued me, knowing the club’s history. I know I made the right choice; it’s paying off.”
Regarding the most challenging aspect of adapting to life in Germany, he stated, “The language, definitely. But Luca (Reggiani) and Filippo (Mane), who are also with me, have helped. It’s been easy to settle in, though.”
He added that while he understands and speaks some German, his proficiency is more in English.
Describing the feeling of scoring his first goal in front of Dortmund’s famous “Yellow Wall,” Inacio said, “It was the best moment of my life. Scoring in front of the Yellow Wall was an incredible feeling. I had been waiting for it for a long time, and when it happened, I was the happiest person in the world. I still watch the videos of it.”
On the opportunity to represent the senior Italy team at just 18, Inacio concluded, “Wearing the Azzurri shirt is my biggest dream. Many great champions have come through here. I aspire to wear the shirt at the highest level and to win a World Cup with Italy.”
