Samuele Inacio sees his future at BVB – praise for Niko Kovac | OneFootball

Even though, apart from Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, only one U21 player was called up, Samuele Inacio still made a brief debut for Italy’s senior national team a week ago in the 1–0 win in Luxembourg, continuing his rapid rise over the past few months. Now the 18-year-old has some time to process the hype surrounding him. Inacio remains grounded in this regard.

Speaking to Sport BILD, Inacio made it clear that despite speculation, including interest from top Italian clubs, a move this summer is not an option. “I want to stay at BVB and become an important part of the club. It is the best place for me to keep improving. On and off the pitch,” said the attacker, who made his first seven professional appearances in the Bundesliga last season and was even in the starting lineup on each of the final four matchdays.

Inacio is grateful for the opportunity he has been given to prove himself and establish a foothold in the Bundesliga. Above all, he has nothing but praise for coach Niko Kovac: “Niko is the best coach I have had in my career so far. Because he spoke with me so often and told me where I need to improve, for example how I need to behave when I do not have the ball myself. Niko made sure that I could show the best version of myself.”

A heartfelt decision for Italy

While those at BVB can feel optimistic that Inacio, who was signed two years ago from Atalanta Bergamo’s youth system, will continue his development, the 1.76-meter right-footer is seen in Italy as a beacon of hope for a better future after three consecutive missed World Cups.

Photo: Getty Images

At the same time, Inacio had and still has the option of playing for Brazil thanks to his father. However, the decision to represent the Azzurri came quickly despite efforts from the Brazilian federation and is unlikely to change: “I have both passports. But I feel more Italian because I was born there, because I grew up there – and because my football career started there. For me, it is the best decision to play for Italy.”

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