Finally involved: two big chances for BVB talent Samuele Inacio | OneFootball

After three disappointments in a row, Samuele Inacio now has a major opportunity ahead of him – both for his national team and for his own future in the blue jersey.

Samuele Inacio is in Italy’s squad for the first time during this international break for the match against Turkey. This is confirmed by the squad lists published by UEFA on its website. For the fourth match of the Nations League group stage, national team coach Roberto Mancini has included the BVB attacker again for the first time after he had to watch from the stands on three consecutive occasions.

This selection now gives Samuele Inacio a genuine opportunity on two fronts. If he actually gets minutes on the pitch, he could prove himself at the highest international level and put himself in contention for future call-ups. At the same time, an appearance would carry an even deeper significance for the attacker: it could help him fulfil his big dream of becoming an established member of the Italian national team. The reason lies in his dual citizenship. As long as Samuele Inacio has not played a competitive match for the Squadra Azzurra, he could theoretically still represent Brazil. So far, he has only one friendly appearance to his name, meaning he has yet to play a competitive international. An appearance against Turkey would go a long way towards closing that door to Brazil – exactly what the youngster wants, having already publicly made his commitment to Italy clear.

Roberto Mancini recently explained to “Sky Sport” why the 18-year-old had to wait so long for his chance. The national team coach cited the attacker’s young age as one reason: “He is young; he needs to develop.” First, Samuele Inacio needs to train regularly with the team and gain experience before more substantial playing time can be considered. His situation at BVB also factored into the explanation. Roberto Mancini made it clear: “He has played very few games so far.” However, the national team coach also stressed that the youngster remains firmly in his plans: “But you have to give him time.”

Indeed, Samuele Inacio’s playing time at Borussia Dortmund has been limited recently. After his appearance in the Super Cup against Bayern Munich, the attacker received an early red card against HSV and consequently had to sit out two Bundesliga matches. He did impress with a brace against HEBC in the DFB-Pokal, but coach Niko Kovač left him on the bench both in the Champions League and in the first game after his suspension ended.

BVB talent Samuele Inacio and Italy battle in the group

For Italy itself, there is plenty at stake in Nations League Group A. After three games, the Squadra Azzurra have four points and sit third in the group. Belgium currently occupy second place with two points more. If Samuele Inacio and his teammates want to reach the competition’s quarter-finals, they must finish at least second. Their next opponents, Turkey, are already fighting for survival in the group: with no points, the team are well adrift at the bottom.

Photo: IMAGO

This very situation could work in Samuele Inacio’s favour. Against opponents already under enormous pressure on the pitch, Roberto Mancini may be more willing to give younger players a chance. If the BVB attacker does get to play, an impressive performance could benefit him in two ways: on the pitch, by strengthening his case for future call-ups, and formally, by moving him closer to being permanently tied to the Italian national team.

Whether Roberto Mancini actually gives his young player any minutes remains to be seen when the match kicks off. One thing is certain, though: after three bitter disappointments, this international break finally offers Samuele Inacio a genuine opportunity – and the significance of a potential appearance extends far beyond a single match for him.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.