Top 10 Best Young Italian Players In 2024

In football, talent knows no age. As we look towards the future of Italian football, a new generation of young players is making waves both domestically and internationally.

From promising defenders to creative midfielders and dynamic forwards, Italy has a crop of talent that promises to light up the footballing world for years to come.

Top Young Italian Players

These young players represent the future of Italian football, each bringing their unique talents and potential to the pitch.

As they continue to develop and hone their skills, football fans can look forward to witnessing their rise to stardom in the coming seasons.

Keep an eye on these names – they’re destined for greatness.

1. Destiny Udogie (Age: 21, Position: Defender/Wing-back, Club: Tottenham)

Destiny Udogie stands out not just for his name but for his exceptional versatility and defensive abilities.

Currently plying his trade at Tottenham, Udogie’s value is sky-high at £67 million, reflecting his potential as a future star.

With a contract running until 2030, expect Udogie’s influence to grow in domestic and European competitions.

Born in Italy, Udogie is of Nigerian descent.

He was a youth international for Italy. On 3 September 2021, he debuted with the Italy U21 squad, starting in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying match against Luxembourg, which ended in a 3–0 win.

On 6 October 2023, Udogie received his first official call-up to the Italian senior national team by head coach Luciano Spalletti for their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

2. Francesco Camarda (Age: 16, Position: Forward, Club: Milan)

Camarda started playing football at Afforese, a school in Affori, Milan.

His talent quickly caught AC Milan’s eye, and he officially joined their academy in 2015 after a short training period. Initially, he played as a defender, but his impressive dribbling and scoring skills soon saw him moved to the striker position.

Camarda proved to be an excellent goal-scorer in AC Milan’s youth teams. One highlight was during an under-9 tournament in Vienna, Austria. Coming back from an injury, he helped his team overturn a 2–0 deficit against Bayern Munich by scoring twice and assisting once, leading to a 3–2 win.

He continued to excel, scoring 22 goals in 24 games for AC Milan’s under-15 team and helping them win the under-15 Scudetto title.

Camarda’s skills have also been recognized internationally. He has played for Italy’s under-15, under-16, and under-17 teams.

His biggest achievement so far was winning the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with Italy and being named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding play.

3. Giorgio Scalvini (Age: 20, Position: Central Defender, Club: Atalanta)

Scalvini has already established himself as a key figure in Atalanta’s defense.

Born in Chiari, he began his career at Palazzolo Scuola Calcio before moving to Brescia at age 10.

He joined the Atalanta Youth Sector in 2015 and won the Supercup with the U19 team in January 2021. Known for his composure on the ball and tactical awareness beyond his years, Scalvini’s value of £79 million underscores his importance to his club’s future ambitions.

Keep an eye on him as he continues to develop into a top-class defender.

3. Tommaso Baldanzi (Age: 20, Position: Attacking Midfielder, Club: Roma)

Roma’s Tommaso Baldanzi brings flair and creativity to the midfield.

Born in Poggibonsi and raised in Castelfiorentino, he joined the youth sector of Empoli at age eight. On 28 October 2020, Baldanzi made his professional debut for Empoli in a Coppa Italia win against Benevento.

He has shown glimpses of his potential with a market value of £14 million. His ability to dictate play and unlock defenses makes him a valuable asset for Roma.

4. Simone Pafundi (Age: 18, Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward, Club: Lausanne)

At just 17 years old, Pafundi is already making waves at Lausanne.

Born in Monfalcone, he started his footballing career with UFM Monfalcone before being signed by Udinese in 2014. He made his professional debut for Udinese in May 2022 at age 16, becoming the first player born in 2006 to play in Serie A.

With a market value of £16 million and a potential transfer cost of £52 million, Pafundi is expected to attract interest from top clubs across Europe.

5. Wilfried Gnonto (Age: 20, Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward, Club: Leeds)

Wilfried Gnonto combines speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability at Leeds United.

Born in Verbania to Ivorian parents, Gnonto joined Leeds United on a five-year deal in 2022. His market value of £16 million reflects his potential to become a leading figure in Italian football.

Watch for him to continue making headlines with his dynamic performances in the Premier League.

6. Nicolò Rovella (Age: 22, Position: Defensive Midfielder, Club: Lazio)

Nicolò Rovella has emerged as a stalwart in Lazio’s midfield.

Starting at Accademia Inter, he moved to Genoa in 2017 and made his professional debut in 2019.

Known for his tactical awareness and ability to break up opposition attacks, Rovella is valued at £15 million with a potential transfer cost of £33 million.

His presence on the pitch is crucial for Lazio.

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7. Lorenzo Pirola (Age: 22, Position: Central Defender, Club: Salernitana)

Lorenzo Pirola has been a steady presence in Salernitana’s defense.

He joined Inter Milan’s youth academy in 2015 and made his senior debut in 2020.

With a market value of £9 million and a potential transfer cost of £19 million, Pirola’s ability to read the game and lead from the back makes him a promising prospect for the future.

8. Samuele Ricci (Age: 21, Position: Defensive Midfielder, Club: Torino)

Samuele Ricci has caught the eye with his performances in Torino’s midfield.

Coming through the Empoli youth teams, he made his professional debut in 2019. Ricci’s market value of £46 million reflects his growing influence in Serie A.

His passing range, vision, and defensive acumen make him a key player for both club and country.

9. Giovanni Fabbian (Age: 21, Position: Defensive Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder, Club: Bologna)

Giovanni Fabbian offers versatility and creativity in midfield for Bologna.

A product of Inter Milan’s youth academy, he joined Reggina on loan in 2022 and made an immediate impact.

Fabbian’s market value of £9 million and potential transfer cost of £21 million highlight his potential to become a midfield maestro.

10. Edoardo Bove (Age: 22, Position: Defensive Midfielder, Club: Roma)

Edoardo Bove is another promising talent emerging from Roma’s youth ranks.

Bove combines defensive solidity with the ability to dictate play from midfield. His market value of £19 million and potential transfer cost of £62 million underscore his importance to Roma’s plans.

Honorable Mentions:

• Ibrahima Bamba (Age: 21, Position: Central Defender/Defensive Midfielder, Club: Al-Duhail)
• Cesare Casadei (Age: 20, Position: Attacking Midfielder, Club: Chelsea)
• Giacomo Faticanti (Age: 18, Position: Defensive Midfielder, Club: Ternana)
• Luca Lipani (Age: 18, Position: Defensive Midfielder, Club: Sassuolo)
• Giorgio Cittadini (Age: 21, Position: Central Defender, Club: Genoa)