Record-breaking Camarda: ‘Italy can win U19 EURO too’ after U17 triumph | OneFootball

Milan’s 16-year-old sensation Francesco Camarda is fresh from winning the Under-17 Euros with Italy and trusts they ‘can win’ the Under-19 edition too. ‘I never thought I could get here.’

The teenager has gone from strength to strength in 2024, making history as the youngest ever player in Serie A at the age of 15 years, eight months and 15 days.

He was then a key figure in the Italy squad that won the Under-17 European Championship in June, scoring four goals in five games, including a brace in the 3-0 Final victory over Portugal.

Despite only turning 16 in March, Camarda is already in the Under-19 Italy squad and scored two goals in his first start, a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland.

That result sent the Azzurrini into the semi-final and also secured their place in the Under-20 World Cup in 2025.

“My objective, that of everyone here, is to win the Euros. We are a strong team,” Camarda told Vivo Azzurro TV.

“Personally, when I set myself targets, I do everything I can to achieve them. Wearing the Azzurri jersey is always a great honour. At the start of my journey as a player, I never thought I could get here.

“Now I am proud to be part of the Nazionale and hope to remain as long as possible.”

Camarda has ambitions for Milan and Italy

While Lamine Yamal is a regular starter for Barcelona and the Spain side that won EURO 2024 at 16, Camarda is expected to be part of Milan Futuro this season, the reserve team that plays in Serie C.

Nonetheless, he is flying in his career and is the youngest ever scorer in the Under-19 European Championship, aged 16 years, four months and eight days.

“When I received the call to join the Under-19 retreat in Bolzano, I felt all the joy in the world, because it meant I had the opportunity to play in another Euros. I settled in straight away and have a good rapport with (coach Bernardo) Corradi.”

Camarda bagged a brace in the 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland.

“The first goal was down to the positive attitude, continuing the run and believing in the loose ball. The same was true of the goal for 3-0, which came from a great team move, a real team effort.”