Australian teen scores with first touch for one of Italy’s biggest clubs

A teenager from western Sydney has scored his first senior goal with his very first touch for one of Italy’s biggest soccer clubs, continuing his meteoric rise and his eerily similar trajectory to Cristian Volpato, the player who infamously shunned a World Cup berth with the Socceroos.

Antonio Arena, 16, came off the bench in the 80th minute of AS Roma’s Coppa Italia tie against Torino on Wednesday morning (AEDT), replacing former Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey.

He needed less than two minutes to make an impact on debut.

Arena positioned his imposing frame between two defenders and rose highest to meet a cross from Brazilian winger Wesley, heading it in to level the scores at 2-2.

While Roma’s cup campaign has ended in the round of 16 after losing 3-2, the match will be remembered for Arena’s contribution, and his arrival at Italy’s top level.

“It was a beautiful moment,” Arena told reporters post-match.

“I felt a little nervous, but I came in and I only thought about playing. A nice cross came from Wesley on the far post and I scored a nice goal.”

Arena paid tribute to Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini – who guided Atalanta to a famous Europa League triumph in 2023-24 before heading to the Italian capital – for his guidance.

Gasperini has named him on the bench four times in Serie A matches but is yet to deploy him in the league, although that moment might not be too far away.

“I’ve already learnt a lot,” Arena said. “He won many games and raised many strong players, I want to continue working and I hope to continue like this.”

The question remains: which nation will he choose to represent at international level?

A former academy member of the Western Sydney Wanderers, Arena has played youth international football for both Australia and Italy, who he qualifies for through family ties.

Loading

Last year, he became the youngest-ever goalscorer for Serie C club Pescara, prompting him to be nicknamed Il Baby Bomber by Italian media and a clamour for his services by some of Italy’s biggest clubs, which was won by Roma, who signed him for a reported $1.78 million transfer fee.

Arena’s trajectory is reminiscent of that of Volpato, another player who was born and raised in Sydney, exited the Australian system to fast-track his development in Italy, and made an unexpectedly early debut for Roma.

Volpato, 22, who now plays for Roma’s Serie A rivals Sassuolo, turned down the chance to play for Graham Arnold’s Socceroos at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and appears to be holding out for the opportunity to represent the Azzurri.

It seems the Socceroos have a fight on their hands to avoid a repeat of that situation and win the allegiance of Arena, who looks destined for big things.

Click here to read article