Nicolò Tresoldi goes into Bruges’ Champions League meeting with Inter as the kind of forward who can shape a big night. At 22, he has already made 68 appearances for the Belgian side and scored 29 goals, and he is now set to lead the attack while his international future remains open between Italy and Germany.
That mix of club output and unresolved national-team choice is what makes him such an intriguing figure. Born in Cagliari on 20 August 2004, Tresoldi has built his career away from Italy, coming through the youth teams and then professional football at Hannover 96 before moving on to Bruges, where last year he helped them win the league title and finished as top scorer with 20 goals.
Why Tresoldi is drawing attention
The numbers are strong enough on their own. This season he has already scored six goals, including one on his Champions League debut, which is another reason Bruges trust him to lead the line against Inter.
There is also a wider story here. The Italian-born, German-naturalized forward has been followed by Roberto Mancini, and his name continues to sit at the intersection of two national-team possibilities. Germany Under-21 has already been part of his path, but the question of whether he ends up representing Italy or Germany is still unresolved.
A player shaped by family and football loyalties
The reports around Tresoldi also link him to Milan through family loyalty and childhood idols. His father, Emanuele, has said: “Italia o Germania, conta il cuore. È milanista e se chiamasse l'Inter...” He also said: “Il suo sogno è giocare nel Milan.”
Tresoldi himself has explained the family connection, saying: “La fede rossonera la devo a mio nonno.” He added: “Era milanista ed è stato anche il maestro di golf di Marco Van Basten.”
There has also been warm praise from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who said: “Un bravo ragazzo con tantissima qualità, lo aspetta una grande carriera, che sia Italia o Germania.” That assessment fits the picture Bruges now have: a young striker with production, personality and room still to decide where his international future lies.
For now, the immediate test is simpler. Bruges need their main attacker to deliver against Inter, and Tresoldi has already shown in Belgium that he can handle responsibility. If he performs again on a stage like this, the debate around him will only grow louder.
