In the world of football, where allegiances can be as fluid as a perfectly weighted pass, young talents often find themselves navigating a complex landscape of national identity and professional ambition. Such is the captivating story of Nicolò Tresoldi, a name that has recently echoed through the hallowed halls of the UEFA Champions League, sparking conversations from Cagliari to Cologne.
From Sardinian Roots to German Soil
Born in Cagliari, Italy, in 2004, and raised in the picturesque town of Gubbio, Nicolò Tresoldi`s journey to the professional football stage took an unconventional turn. At the age of 12, a pivotal decision saw him trading the tennis court, a sport he had dedicated considerable time to, for the football pitch. This choice coincided with a significant family move in 2017, as his mother`s work relocated them to Hannover, Germany.
It was in Germany where Tresoldi`s footballing talent truly began to blossom. The local club, Hannover 96, quickly spotted his potential through a school program. He seamlessly integrated into their youth system, his knack for scoring goals making him a standout player.
Hannover`s Gem, Brugge`s New Star
Tresoldi`s progress at Hannover 96 was swift and impressive. He made his debut for the senior team in Germany`s Bundesliga 2 on July 15, 2022, just shy of his 18th birthday. Over 80 appearances for Hannover 96, he netted 14 goals, a testament to his burgeoning skill and predatory instincts in front of goal. His performances didn`t go unnoticed. In June 2025, Belgian giants Club Brugge secured his services for a reported 6 million euros, a move that would soon yield immediate dividends.
The faith placed in him by Club Brugge was repaid almost instantly. In their opening UEFA Champions League group stage match against Monaco, Tresoldi broke the deadlock, opening his European account with a clinical finish. The goal, a testament to his “pure number 9” movement and precise right-footed strike, set the tone for Brugge`s emphatic 4-1 victory. It was a moment that not only announced his arrival on Europe`s grandest stage but also highlighted the acuity of his new club`s investment.
“Nella settimana dei riflettori accesi su Francesco Pio Esposito, c`è un giovanissimo attaccante che ha segnato il suo primo gol nella fase finale della Uefa Champions League. Si chiama Nicolò Tresoldi…”
— Excerpt from the original Italian article, highlighting his significant Champions League debut.
The Dual Nationality Dilemma: Germany`s Present, Italy`s Question Mark
While his club career soared, Tresoldi`s international trajectory has been equally intriguing. After four years in Hannover, the German football federation wasted no time in securing his commitment, offering his family German citizenship. Tresoldi has since proudly donned the German jersey, becoming a key player for their U21 national team, where he has recorded an impressive 9 goals in 18 appearances, including a notable hat-trick against Latvia in a recent European Championship qualifier.
However, the question of his Italian heritage invariably arises. According to his father, Emanuele, a former footballer himself, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) never initiated contact during the period when Nicolò obtained his dual passport. This has led to an interesting conundrum: a prodigious Italian-born talent excelling for another European nation.
“He is calm and feels the German jersey on him, but he is a die-hard Milan fan and his dream is to play for Milan.”
— Emanuele Tresoldi on his son`s national identity and club aspirations.
The irony is palpable: as Italian football grapples with fostering homegrown talent in a league increasingly dominated by foreign players, one of its brightest prospects is flourishing under the German flag. Yet, the door for the “Azzurri” might not be entirely shut. A FIFA rule change in September 2020 allows players with dual nationality to switch national teams under specific conditions, leaving a sliver of hope for Italy, albeit one that would require significant persuasion. Tresoldi himself, while feeling a strong connection to Germany, openly admits to being a “die-hard Milan fan” and dreams of playing for the Rossoneri, citing Italian legend Pippo Inzaghi as his idol.
The Road Ahead: Convincing a Prodigy
Nicolò Tresoldi`s story is a microcosm of modern football`s globalized landscape, where talent knows no strict borders. For Germany, he represents a promising addition to their youth ranks, potentially developing into a senior international star. For Italy, he stands as a poignant reminder of missed opportunities and the constant need for proactive talent identification. The ball, as they say, is now in Coverciano`s court—the headquarters of Italian football. To convince a player who feels a strong connection to one nation, despite having the heart of another, is a delicate task.
As Nicolò Tresoldi continues his ascent with Club Brugge, dazzling in the Champions League, his journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in European football. Whether his future lies firmly with the German national team or if the lure of his Italian roots and a dream move to AC Milan will eventually sway him, one thing is certain: his name is one to remember, and his story is far from over.
