Simone Pafundi

International career Youth Pafundi represented Italy at several youth international levels, having played for the under-16 and under-17 national teams.

In May 2023, he was included in the Italian squad that took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, where the Azzurrini finished runners-up after losing to Uruguay in the final match.

On 19 November 2024, Pafundi made his debut with the U21 national team, in a friendly match against Ukraine.

Senior In May 2022, Pafundi was called-up by head coach Roberto Mancini to join a training camp with the Italy senior national team, as part of a stage reserved to the most promising players in the country. He eventually made his debut with the Azzurri on 16 November 2022, at 16 years old, playing the final minutes against Albania, thus becoming the third-youngest debutant in the history of the Italy national team, and the youngest debutant in the last 100 years.

Style of play A short, left-footed trequartista, Pafundi has been regarded mainly for his ball control, vision and pace, which allow him to be a frequent threat in the final third, both as an assist-man and as a finisher. He has been compared to former Udinese captain and striker Antonio Di Natale. Some even believe he has the potential to be the heir of Lionel Messi, given his stature and ball handling skills which resemble the Argentinian phenom.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Italy U20 FIFA U-20 World Cup runner-up: 2023