Who is Inter's New Striker? The Talented Forward Who Missed Out on Argentina’s Olympic Squad but Caught Messi’s Eye

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Guaro, and La Gazzetta dello Sport have all confirmed that Inter Milan is on the verge of signing 18-year-old Argentine forward Thiago Romano from Panathinaikos. Despite having a quiet transfer window for their senior squad— with Piotr Zieliński and Mehdi Taremi having been secured as early as January—Inter has been busy in the market for young talents. One such acquisition was the Slovenian rising star Alen Topalović, who scored for Slovenia's U-19 team against Italy just yesterday. While signing young prospects is nothing new, what has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike is that Thiago Romano, this technical forward from Argentina’s U-20 squad, is expected to join Inter’s first team directly, bypassing the reserves. This decision has sparked widespread debate among fans.

Thiago Romano, while relatively known due to his appearances with Argentina’s youth national teams, has barely played any matches at the senior level, raising concerns about whether he is ready to make an immediate impact at Inter Milan. This move has prompted mixed reactions on social media. Optimists believe that if Romano has caught the eye of Inter despite his limited experience, he must possess exceptional qualities. They compare him to Alessandro Bastoni, whom Inter signed for €31 million (including add-ons) even before he had played many senior matches, and who has since become a key player for the club. On the other hand, skeptics question whether Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s head coach, will be willing to gamble on a player who has so little experience. Even with Inter’s need for depth in their forward line, they wonder whether Romano can quickly contribute to the first team.

Who is Thiago Romano?

Thiago Romano is a left-footed forward who primarily plays as a winger, often on the right side but can also operate as a second striker or even as a center forward in certain situations. Standing at 1.8 meters, he has made 22 appearances for Panathinaikos U-19, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. According to video footage available online and comments from coaches at Panathinaikos, Romano’s game is characterized by three main attributes.

Firstly, he is an excellent dribbler with superb ball control. His ability to take on defenders is impressive, often requiring multiple opponents to dispossess him, and his success rate in one-on-one situations is notably high. Secondly, he possesses explosive speed and a powerful left-footed shot, making him a constant threat in the final third. Lastly, he is known for his strong work ethic and professionalism. An example of this was when he was initially not the designated set-piece taker for Panathinaikos U-19, but after the primary taker got injured, Romano was given the responsibility. He took it upon himself to practice diligently, and set pieces have since become one of his key strengths.

Nearly Making Argentina's Olympic Squad

Two key aspects stand out in Thiago Romano’s young career. First, he was included in Argentina’s preliminary squad for the Paris Olympics but was cut from the final roster due to injury rather than a lack of ability. This speaks volumes, as making it into Argentina’s Olympic squad, even for the training camp, usually requires experience in top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Primeira Liga, or the Argentine Primera División. For a player with so few senior appearances to even be considered for such a prestigious squad indicates that Romano has considerable potential.

The second noteworthy event occurred on June 23rd, Romano’s 18th birthday, when he received a video message from none other than Lionel Messi. In the message, Messi encouraged Romano to "enjoy football, take care of yourself, happy birthday, and sending you a big hug." This message came at a critical time when Romano was sidelined due to injury and had just been left out of the Olympic squad. While the message might not necessarily indicate a deep admiration from Messi, it certainly shows that Romano has caught the attention of one of the greatest footballers of all time. If Romano can live up to this potential, this recognition could pave the way for a promising career.

Is Inter Milan Taking a Big Risk?

If Inter Milan indeed decides to bring Thiago Romano straight into the first team, it will be a bold move, and not without significant risks. Both the club and the player will face substantial pressure. The player’s lack of senior team experience and the expectations of performing at a high level in Serie A could be overwhelming. However, there’s no doubt that Romano is a talented young player with the potential to develop into a star.

Inter’s struggles in the transfer market this summer highlight the financial constraints that the club is operating under. They have been unable to secure the “ready-made” strikers that could immediately bolster their attacking options. Fans have been vocally critical of the management, especially on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, but the reality is that Inter simply cannot afford some of the more established targets. Even promising young players with only one or two seasons of experience in leagues like Ligue 1, Primeira Liga, or Eredivisie are out of reach financially. Historically, clubs that have excelled at developing young talent have been among the most successful in European football over the past decade.

Given these circumstances, Inter has no choice but to take risks, whether by signing experienced players past their prime or by betting on young talent. While opting for seasoned players carries its own risks—Arnautović being a recent example—investing in youth, though fraught with uncertainty, can offer significant long-term rewards. In my view, this kind of risk-taking should be encouraged.

Inter Milan’s potential signing of Thiago Romano represents a fascinating gamble by the club. The decision to bring in a young, relatively unproven forward straight into the first team is a significant risk, but it also underscores the club’s recognition of Romano’s talent and potential. As Inter navigates a challenging transfer market, Romano’s arrival could either be a masterstroke or a misstep, depending on how quickly he can adapt and contribute to the team’s success.

Regardless of the outcome, Romano’s journey will be one to watch closely. With the backing of a club like Inter Milan and the encouragement of Lionel Messi, this young Argentine forward has the opportunity to make a name for himself on one of football’s biggest stages. Whether he seizes this chance will be determined in the months and years to come.