Samuele Vignato

Samuele Vignato (born 24 February 2004) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Rijeka.

Early life Vignato was born on 24 February 2004 in Negrar in the Province of Verona, Italy, to Italian father Davide and a Brazilian mother Shèrida. Having begun playing youth football at local club Pieve, Vignato finished the season with two league games, having also played against Virtus Entella as a substitute. On 25 September, Vignato scored his first professional goal, in a 3–1 Serie B win against Pordenone. He became the first player born in 2004 to score in an Italian professional league.

On 25 February 2022, Vignato's contract was extended until 30 June 2025. After having helped Monza gain promotion to the Serie A for the first time in their history, Vignato made his Italian top-flight debut in the 2022–23 Serie A on 7 November 2022, as a stoppage-time substitute in a 2–0 home win against Hellas Verona.

On Vignato's first game as a starter, on 8 October 2023, he scored his first Serie A goal in a 3–0 home win against Salernitana. He became the first player born in 2004 to score in the Italian top flight, and the youngest Monza player to do so.

International career Eligible to also represent Brazil internationally, Vignato played for Italy at under-15, under-16 and under-18 levels. Having played 16 games for the under-16s, Vignato made his under-18 debut in a friendly against Austria in June 2021. In June 2023, he was included in the Italian squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta, where the Azzurrini eventually won their second continental title.

Style of play Mainly an attacking midfielder, Vignato can also play as a mezzala.

Honours Italy U19 UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2023