Samuele Inacio Joined Italy Nations League Squad
The 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward remains eligible for Brazil despite his inclusion in the Italian team.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Soccer
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Samuele Inacio has been named to Italy's 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League match against Turkiye. As an 18-year-old with only a previous non-competitive appearance, Inacio maintains his eligibility to represent Brazil.
Why it matters
FIFA regulations allow players to switch national teams if they have fewer than three competitive senior appearances before age 21. Because his previous debut in June 2026 was a friendly match, Inacio is not yet permanently tied to Italy.
Inacio is an 18-year-old forward currently playing for Borussia Dortmund. FIFA rules permit national team switches for players with fewer than three competitive senior appearances before turning 21.
The players
Samuele Inacio
He is an 18-year-old professional football forward who currently plays for the German club Borussia Dortmund.
The details
Born in Bergamo on April 2, 2008, Inacio holds both Italian and Brazilian passports. He debuted for Italy in a friendly match against Luxembourg in June 2026, but he will make his first competitive appearance for the nation if he plays against Turkiye tonight.
Timeline
April 2, 2008: Samuele Inacio was born in Bergamo.
June 2026: Inacio made his senior Italy debut in a friendly.
October 5, 2026: Inacio is included in Italy's squad for the match against Turkiye.
The Big Picture
This situation follows the specific criteria established by the FIFA eligibility rules for national team switches. It illustrates the application of regulations regarding the age and appearance limits that define player eligibility for international football.
Should Inacio appear in the match against Turkiye, he will record his first official competitive cap for Italy. This appearance would count as the first of three allowed competitive matches before he reaches age 21, at which point he would be permanently tied to the Italian national team.
The takeaway
Inacio's inclusion in this squad is a strategic move that tests the boundary of his international availability. Fans and analysts should monitor whether he receives minutes, as that decision will directly dictate his long-term eligibility for Brazil or Italy.
Further reading
Follow ongoing developments in the Soccer section for updates on international team rosters.
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