Samuele Inácio's Italy call‑up pushes Brazil hopes further aside

Samuele Inácio, the 18‑year‑old Borussia Dortmund forward, has been named by Roberto Mancini for Italy's upcoming Nations League fixtures, a move that brings him nearer to sealing his allegiance to the Azzurra and diminishes Brazil's chances of securing him.

Dual nationality and early international interest

Born in Bergamo to former Brazilian player Inácio Piá, Inácio holds both Italian and Brazilian passports. The Brazilian Football Confederation monitored his progress, even dispatching scouts, but the youngster opted for the Italian pathway after starring for Italy's U‑17 side at the World Cup, where he wore the number ten and helped Italy defeat Brazil in the third‑place match.

Club development at Borussia Dortmund

Inácio began his career at Atalanta before moving to Borussia Dortmund in July 2024. Between 2024 and 2026 he featured in 59 matches for Dortmund’s U‑17, U‑19 and B teams, contributing 13 goals and 11 assists while edging closer to the senior squad.

Last season he appeared in seven Bundesliga games for the first team, scoring once. For the 2026/27 campaign he became a permanent member of Niko Kovac’s senior roster and has already found the net twice in three league outings.

Italy seeks advantage in the Nations League against Turkey

Italy's Nations League call‑up and its implications

Roberto Mancini’s invitation places Inácio in Italy’s squad for official UEFA Nations League matches, replacing earlier friendly fixtures against Luxembourg and Greece that left his national allegiance undecided. A debut against Belgium on 25 September at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico would lock his international future with the Azzurra under FIFA rules.

The selection not only offers Inácio a platform to develop at senior level but also curtails any realistic prospect of a future Brazil call‑up, a scenario the CBF had previously entertained.

Italy rebounds after 1‑4 defeat with Nations League victory

Mancini, back in charge since July, is rebuilding the Azzurra with an eye on the 2030 World Cup after missing the last three editions, and the inclusion of young talents like Inácio reflects that long‑term strategy.