AC Milan have decided to call-up 15-year-old Francesco Camarda to their matchday squad for this weekend. But why have the Serie A side made this decision and can the teenager make history?
Who Is Francesco Camarda?
The Italian teenager was born on the 10th March 2008 and will be eligible to make his debut on Saturday for AC Milan – after being cleared by the Italian Federation.
In 2015, the teenager joined AC Milan’s academy after an impressive set of appearances for his school side and was originally deployed as a defender – before his attacking prowess moved him up to striker.
A reported story that sparked early interest in the youngster came in 2009. Camarda was taken off in an Under 9’s match against Bayern Munich due to injury, AC Milan were 2-0 down but after pleading to come back on – Camarda returned and registered two goal and an assist to win the match 3-2.
His spell in the academy caught attention in Italy, as the prolific striker scored 485 goals in 89 matches – an average of 5.45 goals a game.
At 14-years-old, the Italian was already playing for the U19 side and became the youngest Italian player to score a brace in the UEFA Youth Cup.
Could He Be The Youngest Player In Serie A History?
The youngest player to ever play in the Serie A is currently Wisdom Amey, at 15 years 9 months and 1 day – who made his debut for Bologna in May 2021.
Amedeo Amadei and Pietro Pellegri rank second and third for youngest ever debutants, at just four days older in 1937 and 2016 respectively, (15 years, 9 months and 1 day).
This means, that if Francesco Camarda gets any minutes against Fiorentina on Saturday, then he will become the youngest player in Serie A history at 15 years 8 months and 15 days.
Olivier Giroud is suspended from the clash and Rafael Leao has picked up a recent injury, which make the opportunity for a debut far more likely.
What Records Could He Make On Debut?
The current youngest goalscorer in Serie A history is the previously mentioned Amadei, who scored in a 5-1 defeat by Roma in May 1937.
At the time of scoring, Amadei was 15 years 9 months and one day, which is a year younger than the man in second place, as Gianni Rivera scored as a 16-year-old.
If Camarda was on target for AC Milan this weekend, he would not only be the youngest goalscorer in Serie A history, but break a record that has stood for over 85 years.
Brentford full-back, Aaron Hickey, remains the youngest player in Serie A history to receive a red-card, as the 18-year-old Scotsman recieved his marching orders for Bologna against Sassuolo in 2021.
Should Camarda have a horrible start to his AC Milan career and receive a red card on debut, then he will become the youngest player to do so in history.
Records Camarda Can Break: Youngest player, Youngest goalscorer and Youngest red card
Current Youngest Players In Serie A
- Seydou Fini (Genoa) – 17 years, 5 months and 22 days
- Simone Pafundi (Udinese) – 17 years, 8 months and 10 days
- Davide Bartesaghi (AC Milan) – 17 years, 10 months and 26 days
- Arijon Ibrahimovic (Leece) – 17 years, 11 months and 13 days
- Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) – 18 years, 6 months and 20 days
As of 24/11/2023, these are the youngest players that are currently in Serie A – meaning Francesco Camarda would rank first if he debuts on Saturday.
Seydou Fini has made just one appearance for Genoa this season, getting three minutes in a 2-0 defeat to Atalanta in October and has features on the bench four times.
Simone Padundi has also made just the singular appearance for Udinese this season, seeing seven minutes of action during a 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina in September – but has been on the bench for every match prior to a recent injury.
Bartesaghi has been a present member in AC Milan’s squad, appearing on the bench six times and the youngster has made three appearances in Serie A – accumulating 23 minutes overall.
Ibrahimovic has made five appearances in the Italian top division this season and in October, the young forward registered a goal and assist in a 2-1 win over Empoli.
Juventus player, Kenan Yildiz, has appeared five times for the Italian side this season and also picked up a yellow card during a 1-1 draw with Bologna.
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