Inacio starts in Champions League: redemption after early red card
The Italo-Brazilian talent makes his Champions League starting debut for Borussia Dortmund against Bodo/Glimt, days after scoring with the reserve team. Mancini had said he needs playing time to be ready.
Samuele Inacio will get his chance in Europe's premier competition. The young Borussia Dortmund striker will start against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, an opportunity that comes after a challenging few weeks. He had been sent off after just three minutes in his Bundesliga debut against Hamburg, followed by four consecutive matches on the bench.
Coach Nico Kovac decided to send him to play with the reserve side in the Regionalliga West, where the 2008-born talent responded by scoring a goal in 45 minutes. A way to regain rhythm and confidence before being given a starting role in Europe.
For the Italo-Brazilian prospect, this is also his Champions League debut. Roberto Mancini had called him up for the Nations League but did not give him playing time, stressing he was not yet ready and needed regular action to develop. This European stage could prove to be the right moment to show the progress expected of him.