Roberto Mancini’s 31-man Italy squad for their upcoming friendlies included 16-year-old Udinese talent Simone Pafundi, giving him his first taste of action with the senior team.
Calciomercato.com details how Udinese picked up the Italian forward back in 2014 during a tournament with Monfalcone, when he was playing alongside boys two years older. Pafundi joined the Bianconeri’s youth system and has progressed up the ranks ever since, being promoted to the Primavera side two years ago.
Pafundi impressed last season for the Udinese Primavera squad, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 14 games, playing a key role in their promotion to the youth topflight. He made his Serie A debut is May of this year, playing 22 minutes in the final game of the season against Salernitana.
The 16-year-old has yet to make an appearance for the Bianconeri first team this season but still trains with the senior side, giving him vital experience as he continues his development. Over the last few months he was linked with a move to Napoli but decided to sign a contract renewal with Udinese, tying him to the club until 2025.
Pafundi’s call up to the Italy senior team proves Mancini’s trust in young and talented players.