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Inter Milan’s 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito is rightly being lauded and scored his first goal for Italy against Estonia last week, but another name is making waves – Francesco Camarda, a player three years younger, and potentially more devastating.<\/b><\/p>\n
Together, they could well become the strike partnership that defines the Azzurri’s future.<\/p>\n
At 17 years, six months and 18 days old, Camarda scored his first Serie A goal against Bologna in September, becoming the youngest player in Lecce’s history to do so – the AC Milan forward sent south to gain experience on loan under Eusebio di Francesco.<\/p>\n
With that goal before the international break, he broke yet another record in his remarkably precocious career.<\/p>\n
Camarda had already made history on 25 November 2023, when he came on late in Milan’s game against Fiorentina.<\/p>\n
Under Stefano Pioli, he became the youngest player to make his debut in Serie A. The Italian FA granted Milan a special exemption to allow Camarda to play at just 15 years, eight months, and 13 days, because regulations do not allow players under 16 to feature in the top flight.<\/p>\n
He was also the youngest player to appear for Milan, breaking the record held by legendary defender Paolo Maldini.<\/p>\n
The following season, under Paulo Fonseca, he made his Champions League debut against Club Brugge – with a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) – becoming Milan and Italy’s youngest player to feature in the competition at 16 years and 226 days.<\/p>\n
This week, he also became the youngest Italian ever to score for the under-21s national team. On his Azzurrini debut against Sweden in a European Championship qualifier, the 17-year-old netted a cheeky Panenka penalty.<\/p>\n
It showcased all his qualities – composure, quick feet, strength on the ball, and an ice-cold temperament in front of goal.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes, when he drops deep, he still looks a bit raw technically, but inside the box he’s a phenomenon,” said manager Massimiliano Favo, who led Italy Under-17s to victory at the 2024 European Championship, where Camarda was his main striker.<\/p>\n
“His ability to find the right place and to handle the ball and his ruthlessness when shooting are things I’ve never seen in anyone of his age.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n