Simone Pafundi became the youngest Italy debutant in a century and now scouts from across Europe will keep a close eye on the 16-year-old.
The Italian teenager, who was barely three months old when Italy lifted the World Cup in 2006, made his Azzurri debut in their friendly win over Albania, becoming the youngest player for his country in over 100 years.
Pafundi is one of the most exciting prospects in Italy and a bright star in the Udinese squad.
Pafundi showed positive signs on his debut for Italy and his arrival on the international scene has advertised him to clubs across Europe.
Several scouts were already following the 16-year-old, and this number will surely increase following his Azzurri debut.
The 16-year-old Pafundi is contracted to Udinese until 2025 and has already made one appearance for the first team.
In his time with the Primavera squad, the teenager has scored nine goals and provided 15 assists in 36 games.
This tactical analysis and scout report will look at how Pafundi fits into Udineses set-up to become a future vital member of his team.
We’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the main strengths and weaknesses of the Italian as well as how he fits into his sides tactics.
Simone Pafundi Player Profile
Simone Pafundi was born in March 2006 in Monfalcone, which is a city near the Slovenian border.
He started his youth career at UFM Monfalcone, joining his hometown club as a five-year-old.
But the teenage prodigy made his mark after joining Udinese aged eight in 2014.
He ran through the Serie A academy and has always been an important part of Italian youth national teams.
In Italy’s U17 national team, he played five matches, scoring four goals and assisting two more.
After rapidly rising through the ranks at the Italian club, he made his first-team debut towards the end of last season.
The 16-year-old has since continued featuring for Udinese’s Primavera side and has enjoyed a solid 2022/23 season.
The youngster has three goals and six assists in ten matches thus far.
And Pafundi has also made his Italy debut this season, making his bow against Albania in November.
So, it is hardly surprising that top clubs like Napoli, Juventus and Real Madrid are closely monitoring his progress.
Pafundi is a left-footed, dynamic central attacking midfielder, whos also used to play as a deep-lying forward or on the right wing.
In his team, Pafundi is the creative spot.
The young Italian likes to be fielded in a free role as an attacking midfielder, where he is given space to roam the pitch.
He is responsible for the magical moments, takes set pieces and provides decent key passes.
Pafundi is able to get out of various different scenarios, able to play wide and go direct, or be central and cut through the lines.
He could be described as a difference-maker.

As already said, Pafundi is primarily used to playing as an attacking midfielder.
But the Italian wonderkid is only 16 years old and can remodel himself as a central midfielder or a winger.
Currently, his


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