Italy and Brazil Compete for Samuele Inacio's Future

Italy and Brazil are bracing for a straight fight over one of Europe’s most intriguing young forwards: 18-year-old Samuele Inacio.

Reports on Thursday suggest the Borussia Dortmund striker could receive a call-up to the senior Italy squad for September’s fixtures, with the clear intention of handing him a competitive debut and locking in his international future. The message from Coverciano is simple: cap him now, or risk losing him.

Born in Bergamo, raised between two flags

Inacio’s story is tailor-made for this kind of battle. Born in Bergamo to an Italian mother and a Brazilian father, Pia, he grew up with two footballing identities. Pia himself knew Italian football well, having played for Atalanta, Napoli and several other clubs across the peninsula during his career.

On paper, the choice is wide open. Inacio is fully eligible for both Italy and Brazil and, crucially, still not tied to either in competitive football.

He already has a taste of the Azzurri shirt. Interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini handed him his senior debut back in June, a friendly against Luxembourg. It was a clear show of faith, a first handshake rather than a binding contract. Because it was only a friendly, the door remains open for Brazil.

And Brazil have walked straight through it.

Brazil scouts move in

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, representatives from the Brazil national team have been tracking Inacio closely. Scouts were present at The Emirates Cup in London, where Borussia Dortmund faced Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026.

There, under the lights in north London, Inacio’s performance didn’t just catch the eye of club analysts. It fed into a growing conviction in Brazil: this is a player worth fighting for, and worth capping quickly.

The Selecao are reported to be considering giving him minutes in a competitive fixture to secure his allegiance for years to come. One appearance in an official match would close the door on Italy’s hopes.

Italy’s response: act now

Italy are not standing still. Thursday’s reports underline that Inacio’s own “priority” remains with the Azzurri, and the federation intends to act decisively on that advantage.

The plan? Bring him into the squad again as early as September and find space for him in a competitive fixture. Even a brief cameo would be enough to formalise the bond and shut down Brazil’s late push.

It would be a bold move for an 18-year-old who only recently left Atalanta for Borussia Dortmund, but the stakes are obvious. Lose him now and Italy could watch a homegrown Bergamo talent lead Brazil’s line in future World Cups.

For Inacio, the choice is looming. For Italy and Brazil, the race has already started.