Italy’s Golden Boy: Inacio’s Immediate Impact at Borussia Dortmund

Samuele Inacio is one of a talented crop of youngsters emerging in the Bundesliga and he could be the most exciting in recent years.

The 17-year-old could be one of the best Italian prospects in a generation if he continues along his current trajectory and it is easy to see why.

A natural and modern day number 10, Inacio models his game on Belgian legend, Kevin De Bruyne, who also came of age in the German top-tier with Wolfsburg prior to his big-money move to Manchester City.

It is easy to draw comparisons between the two. For such a young age, Inacio has a high level of game intelligence, with Dortmund’s coaching staff having made numerous comments that this is his best attribute.

In addition to this, Inacio’s sense of space, movement and vision is already at a very high level, while he also has the complementary technical skills to boot. His passing accuracy and weight, is a key attribute, which is perfectly supplemented by close ball control, versatile foot usage and minimal touch play.

While Inacio is a creator, he also has a potent goal threat – especially on the international stage. At Under-17 level, Inacio has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances and was awarded the Golden Boot at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Meanwhile, he was also named ‘Man Of The Match’ in each of his country’s group games at the Under-17 World Cup.

Samuele Inacio (🇮🇹/08) starts for Italy in their U17 European Championship debut against Czech Republic U17.

We’ll see how Samu performs with the Azzurri, he usually plays at a very high level with Italy, above the level he’s shown at Dortmund this season.#BVB https://t.co/dKn1PI2xCz pic.twitter.com/U8KVco9vJO

— Daxo (@daxooo_) May 20, 2025

This led to Dortmund Sporting Director and former player, Lars Ricken, stating: “Samuele has been named ‘Man of the Match’ in each of Italy’s three fixtures [at the U17 World Cup]. That is exceptional. Although it does not surprise us. We know what he is capable of. He is a number ten of the kind one rarely encounters these days: offensively potent with excellent dribbling. Moreover, he is extraordinarily goal-threatening… He brings an impressive package.”

Lots of Hope For Inacio

There is no doubt that Inacio is held in high regard within the confines of power at Dortmund and his development will be nurtured carefully. His path to the first team could be interesting because Ricken et al are likely to be cautious about exposing him to too much too soon.

In the youth team he is among good company and there is a lot of natural talent and if they progress and stay together, the future could be promising for Dortmund. As is the club’s model, every year or so, a top talent usually leaves for a considerable sum, though there are a number of players in front of Inacio and Dortmund will be optimistic that the Italian is a more than capable (if not better) replacement.

Currently a key component in the Under-19 squad, he is already among the goals and he could well be looking at a promotion for next season, or at least being involved in some match day squads to give him first team exposure.

It will be interesting to see when and at what point Inacio is promoted in his national team; he is certainly one of the most exciting, young, Italian footballers who is coming through right now and Dortmund without a doubt will be excited by his potential.