Italy and Brazil Compete for Teenage Star Samuele Inacio

Italy and Brazil are bracing for a straight fight over one of Europe’s most intriguing young forwards: 18-year-old Samuele Inacio.

Reports on Thursday indicate that Italy are ready to fast-track the Borussia Dortmund striker into a competitive fixture as early as September, a move designed to lock in his international future and keep him out of Brazil’s grasp. The plan is clear: give him an official cap, close the door.

Brazil have seen enough to make their move. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, scouts from the Seleção were in London in recent days, watching Inacio closely during Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Cup. An August friendly at Emirates Stadium is not usually the stage for international power plays, but this one carried extra weight.

Born in Bergamo to an Italian mother and a Brazilian father, Inacio stands at the crossroads of two footballing giants. His father, Pia, spent his own career in Italy with spells at Atalanta, Napoli and several other clubs, and his son has grown into one of the standout products of the Azzurri’s youth system.

Italy have already made their first move. Interim head coach Silvio Baldini handed Inacio his senior debut in June in a friendly against Luxembourg, a clear signal of intent. That appearance, though, does not tie him down. Under current rules, friendlies don’t close the door on switching allegiance, so Inacio remains eligible for both nations in competitive matches.

That is where the urgency comes in.

Brazil are reportedly considering capping him in an official fixture to secure him for the long term. The idea is identical on both sides: get him on the pitch in a competitive game, and do it quickly.

For now, Italy still hold the edge. Di Marzio’s report claims Inacio’s priority remains with the Azzurri, and the federation is working on a plan to give the teenager minutes in an upcoming competitive match, potentially in September, to fend off Brazil’s advances.