Inacio Only Wanted Italy Despite Many Calls from Brazil Says Father Pia

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | Samuele Inacio’s father, Pia, has revealed that his son was determined to represent Italy despite persistent attempts from Brazil to recruit him, stating that Inacio only wanted Italy despite many calls from Brazil says father Pia. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who was born and raised in Bergamo, has been a standout in Italy’s youth ranks and recently earned his first senior call-up under interim coach Silvio Baldini in June. However, his lack of competitive minutes has left the door open for Brazil, the birth nation of his father, to swoop in.

Pia, a former Serie A forward who spent six years at Atalanta after moving to Italy as a teenager, spoke exclusively to La Repubblica about his son’s international future. “We’ve taken a lot of pride from this moment, even if the family, including Samuele, knows that this is just the first step,” Pia said. “He was born and raised in Bergamo, he’s never had any doubts. Brazil have contacted us many times, even before the U17 World Cup and then while he was in the U20s ahead of the Olympic qualifiers. But Samuele only wanted Italy.”

The young talent, currently plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Atalanta’s academy at a young age, has been included in Italy’s matchday squad for their final Nations League fixture against Turkey. That game could provide him with his first competitive cap, which would permanently tie him to the Azzurri. Until then, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) remains hopeful of a late change of heart, but Pia insists that Inacio only wanted Italy despite many calls from Brazil says father Pia.

Inacio’s journey has been closely monitored by Italian football authorities, who are keen to secure the services of a player many consider a generational talent. Described by his father as a “classic No.10,” Inacio possesses exceptional creativity, dribbling ability, and tactical intelligence. “He has a different level of talent and potential, the initial results we’ve seen speak for themselves,” Pia continued. “He likes to have the ball at his feet, beat his man, but he can also play as a second striker and as a winger if needed. He’s a very intelligent player from a tactical point of view and has the physical strength to do well in both phases.”

Despite his current focus on Dortmund, where he feels part of a big project, Inacio’s future remains a hot topic in Italy. The midfielder’s decision to leave Atalanta for Germany was not without controversy, leading to a long-term dispute between the clubs. Atletico Madrid also expressed interest, but Inacio chose Dortmund for a different life experience away from home. “I’m very grateful to Atalanta and Italy for everything they’ve given me,” Pia added. “Samuele has family and friends here, but he’s very happy in Germany. He’s part of a big club and feels part of the project.”

As Italy prepare to face Turkey, all eyes will be on whether Inacio finally makes his competitive debut. Should he feature, it would end Brazil’s hopes of convincing him to switch allegiance. For now, the message from his father is clear: Inacio only wanted Italy despite many calls from Brazil says father Pia, and that desire has never wavered.

In conclusion, Samuele Inacio’s story is one of unwavering commitment to his country of birth. Despite the allure of representing Brazil, the land of his father, the young midfielder has always dreamed of wearing the Azzurri shirt. As he continues to develop at Dortmund and edges closer to a competitive cap for Italy, his father’s words serve as a reminder that passion and belonging often trump external pressures. Italy may have secured a special talent for years to come.