Samuele Inacio (foto: Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač praised 17-year-old Samuele Inacio after the Italian midfielder made his Bundesliga debut against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač expressed strong admiration for young midfielder Samuele Inacio after the teenager made his first appearance in senior football.
The 17-year-old Italian talent debuted in the Bundesliga during the high-profile clash with Bayern Munich. Although Dortmund lost the match, the youngster played the final 15 minutes and gained his first experience at elite level.
Inacio joined Borussia Dortmund in 2024 after leaving the youth academy of Atalanta. Born in Bergamo, he quickly impressed coaches with his creativity and technical quality.
Kovač spoke enthusiastically about the midfielder’s potential.
"I am happy. Samuele is only 17, and he played well on his debut, which was against Bayern. He has a big career ahead of him and all the attributes we look for in modern players."
The Croatian coach went even further with his praise.
"He is not only the future of our club. He is also the future of Italian football and the Italian national team."
Kovač highlighted the rapid progress the teenager has shown in recent months.
"He is progressing strongly. He is also a very kind person, and his technique is flawless. Italians would say he is a 'fantasista'. He sees things that many 30-year-olds do not."
Borussia Dortmund believe the young midfielder represents one of the most promising prospects in their academy system and expect him to gain more opportunities with the first team in the near future.