Croci, the 16-year-old Fiorentina prospect who caught Mancini's eye
The Italy manager praised the Arezzo-born playmaker after watching him at Viola Park. A similar path to Zaniolo and Pafundi, who were rewarded with national team calls at a young age.
Roberto Mancini turned the spotlight on Federico Croci during Italy's national team press conference at Coverciano. The commissioner praised the Fiorentina Primavera playmaker, emphasizing that despite being just 16 years old, the teenager possesses technical qualities and physical attributes that match those of his older peers. "Technically and physically he's right there with the 2007s," Mancini said after watching him in action during a Primavera match between Fiorentina and Como.
Born in Bibbiena, in the province of Arezzo, Croci represents a rare profile combining vision, tactical maturity uncommon for his age, and physical stature unusual for a teenager. This season he has made ten appearances across the league and Youth League, scoring eight goals. His rise was already marked by his debut with Fiorentina's senior squad in August during the Coppa Italia against Benevento, when he became the club's youngest ever debutant.
Croci's path echoes that of other prospects Mancini has backed early: Niccolò Zaniolo and Simone Pafundi received national team calls before fully establishing themselves at their respective clubs. The Arezzo playmaker is already a regular fixture in Italy's youth system, with 17 goals in 32 total appearances and currently competing in the Under 18 squad.