Italy U21 star Camarda ‘never thought’ about being a ‘prodigy’

Francesco Camarda says he takes inspiration from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he ‘never thought’ about being destined for greatness.

Camarda spoke at a press conference on Thursday, on the eve of Italy U21’s game against Sweden in the UEFA EURO U21 qualifiers.

The Lecce forward, on loan from Milan, has recently scored his first goal in Serie A, receiving praise from Rossoneri legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who showed an Instagram message he had received from Camarda in 2019.

Camarda’s message to Ibrahimovic

“I was ten, he was a world-class footballer,” Camarda said via TMW.

“I respected him as I respect him now; he’s somebody to take inspiration from for my career.”

Camarda is the youngest Serie A debutant, having made his first appearance in Italy’s top flight in a Milan home game against Fiorentina on November 25, 2023, aged 15.

“You want moments like this when you start playing. The first goal, the debut,” Camarda added.

Camarda: First Serie A goal a ‘starting point’

“These are the targets you have as a kid. Let’s say that to have reached it gives me great satisfaction. It’s a starting point, and I’m more and more motivated to go as high as possible. I’m here with the national team, and that’s what I am focused on. I want to bring the three points to my teammates.”

Italy have been lacking a consistent goal-scorer in recent years, and Camarda is seen as a potential starter for the Azzurri in the coming years. However, the 17-year-old insisted he’s never paid attention to outside noise.

Asked how he copes with expectations from being destined for greatness, he replied: “Honestly, I’ve never thought about it. I always live in the present, day by day. I try to improve for the club and the national team and do the best I can. It’s not up to me to say that I’m a prodigy. I try to isolate myself as much as possible from everything.”