Borussia Dortmund Head Coach Claims 17-Year-Old Talent Is ‘the Future of Italy’

Dortmund, Germany — Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac believes the club has secured a generational prospect in 17-year-old attacker Samuele Inacio, declaring the teenager “the future of Italian football and of the Italy national team.”

Inacio, who joined Dortmund from Atalanta’s academy as a 16-year-old in 2024, made his professional debut last weekend, entering the fray late in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich. The high-pressure stage did not faze the youngster, and Kovac was quick to laud the performance.

“We’re happy. Samuele is 17 years old and will definitely do well,” Kovac told Kicker. “I was happy with his debut. Against Bayern Munich. Imagine that, not bad!”

The move that brought Inacio to Germany has become a flashpoint between the two clubs. Atalanta received no compensation when the player opted to leave Bergamo, leaving the Serie A side frustrated. Dortmund, however, see the acquisition as a major coup and have already integrated the teen into first-team training.

Kovac is convinced the attacking midfielder possesses rare vision and technical ability. “He’s a great footballer. If he stays fit, he will have a really great career,” the coach said. “At just 17, I see a lot of the qualities that a very good player in the future will have. He’s not just the future of this club, but also of Italian football and of the Italy national team.”

The coach compared Inacio’s creativity to that of a classic Italian fantasista. “As a 10 or an 8, he sees things on the pitch at the age of 17 that others at 30 don’t see,” Kovac added.

Inacio’s progress will be closely monitored on both sides of the Alps as Dortmund look to develop another jewel for club and country.