The 16-year-old Udinese became the third-youngest Italy debutant of all time after coming on for Marco Verratti in team’s 3-1 win over Albania in a friendly on Wednesday evening. Within just a few minutes of coming on, Simone Pafundi had mustered four shots on goal including one that was particularly close to rippling the net.
At the age of 16 years, eight months and two days, Pafundi made Italy history by becoming the third-youngest player to make their senior debut for Italy of all time. Ahead of him are Rodolfo Gavinelli (16 years, three months and eight days) and Renzo De Vecchi (16 years, six months and four days). Simone leapfrogged his new international team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made his debut at 17 years, six months and four days old.
Congratulations, Simone! We are so proud of you!