Inacio: ‘Representing Italy is my biggest dream, Dortmund was the right choice’ | OneFootball

Teenage Italy talent Samuele Inacio says that having the opportunity to represent his nation at the age of 18 is his ‘biggest dream’ and says that the decision to leave Atalanta in order to join Borussia Dortmund two years ago was definitely the correct decision: ‘It’s paying off’.

Inacio is one of 24 young players called up to represent Italy for a pair of international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece on June 3 and June 7 respectively.

The Italy side will be led by interim CT Silvio Baldini, who usually takes charge of the U21 squad and has named a squad made up almost entirely of players he knows well from the youth set-up. Only four of the 24 players called up for the June friendlies have previously earned caps for Italy at senior level.

Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at the end of March, this is an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance for some of the nation’s brightest talents to show that they are ready to perform at senior level.

Inacio on Italy opportunity, Dortmund being the right choice and following Donnarumma’s lead

Among those hoping for an opportunity next week is 18-year-old Dortmund forward Inacio, who has given an interview from the team’s training camp at Coverciano.

TRIESTE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Samuele Inacio of Italy U17 celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the International Friendly match between Italy U17 and Switzerland U17 at Stadio Nereo Rocco on September 06, 2024 in Trieste, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I was at home when the call-ups came out. It was incredible when I saw my name on the list. I said to myself ‘I did it!’. It’s the senior national team, a moment of huge pride,” Inacio said while reflecting on his first call-up to the Italy squad.

“Coming here with so many young guys is a good thing for Italy. Of course, there’s also Gigio Donnarumma, who is an idol for all of us so we all follow him by example.”

Inacio comes from footballing pedigree: His father Piá represented several Serie A sides throughout his career, including the likes of Atalanta, Napoli and Torino.

“I grew up watching my dad play and I immediately fell in love with football,” said Inacio. “The best advice he ever gave me is to never settle, even when things are going well, to think that I have to do it all over again. And, before being a footballer, to be a good person.”

TRIESTE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Samuele Inacio of Italy U17 celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the International Friendly match between Italy U17 and Portugal U17 at Stadio Nereo Rocco on September 03, 2024 in Trieste, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Discussing the feeling of being included in the Italy squad at the age of 18, Inacio said that there are: “a lot of emotions and a big desire to learn, especially from the players with more experience than me. There is a sense of responsibility, I feel it, but it’s something I like. It’s a source of great pride. All the guys dream of playing and fighting for this shirt, it’s a privilege.”

Inacio spent the early years of his youth career with Atalanta, but moved to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund in 2024 and has since gone on to score his first Bundesliga goal this season.

But why did he decide to leave Italy at such a young age?

“To try new challenges,” Inacio explained. “The Dortmund project was immediately intriguing to me knowing the history of the club, I know I made the right choice. It’s paying off.”

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)

And what has been the hardest part about adapting to life in Germany?

“The language, definitely, but I’ve been helped by Luca (Reggiani) and Filippo (Mane), who are there with me as well. It’s been easy to settle in, though.”

Getting to grips with the German language may still take a little while longer: “I understand it, I speak it a bit, but more so in English.”

And what did it feel like for Inacio to score his first goal in front of the famous Dortmund Yellow Wall?

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on May 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kügeler/Getty Images)

“It was the best moment of my life. Scoring in front of the yellow wall was an incredible feeling. I’d been waiting for it for a long time and when it happened, I was the happiest person in the world. I always watch it on video.”

And how does it feel having the opportunity to represent the senior Italy side at just 18 years of age?

“Wearing the Azzurri shirt is my biggest dream. A lot of great champions have come through here. I’d like to wear the shirt at the highest levels, and to win a World Cup with Italy.”