African boy from Italy becomes the youngest-ever Serie A footballer

He’s one for the future, but he’s playing with the big boys already! Promising centre-back Wisdom Amey earned a highly flattering label of being the youngest player in Serie A’s entire history. He was introduced as a late sub during Bologna’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Genoa on Wednesday night at the age of just 15 years and 274 days.

Born on 11 August 2005 in Bassano del Grappa to a Nigerian mother and a Togolese father, Amey is the youngest player ever to appear in a Serie A game. The Rossoblu defender played his first professional game in senior football.

A centre-half measuring 182cm, he arrived at Bologna in the January transfer window in 2019/2020 from Vicenza and spells with a few lower-league teams in Italy. His progress has been immense as Serbian coach Sinisa Mihajlovic handed the boy his Serie A debut in the last five minutes of the Genoa clash.

"Wisdom responded well, I’m happy with my choice to give him his professional debut."

Bologna defender has been praised by youth coaches at the club as he made his way through the ranks. His physical presence, understanding of the game and mental attributes earned Wisdom promotion to the first team,

Amey, who doesn't turn 16 until August, surpassed former Roma player Amadeo Amadei from 1937 and former Genoa player Pietro Pellegri, who had equalled the record in 2016 to become the youngest ever Serie A player. He’s certainly one to watch in years to come.

Two weeks before his record-breaking Bologna bow, Amey wrote on Instagram, 'Believe in it, do it, make it real'. It’s a good mantra for any youngster trying to make it to the big stage.

Those were some wise words from young Wisdom. We’ll keep an eye on his progress!