While injury has robbed Perth Glory of some key attacking stars so far in the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season, it has allowed coach Kenny Lowe to unearth some exceptional new talent.
And there’s arguably been none better than teenage attacker Jacob Italiano.
The 16-year-old became the fifth youngest player to ever debut in the Hyundai A-League when he lined up in Glory’s Round 7 clash with Melbourne Victory.
Injuries to stars Diego Castro and Adam Taggart saw the Inglewood junior get his chance and Italiano has taken it with both hands.
He was superb in Glory’s shock 3-1 away win against Melbourne City in Round 8, tormenting City right-back Nick Fitzgerald with his dribbling and silky skills.
Italiano caught the eye again on Sunday in Glory’s narrow loss to Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
And to make his incredible rise even more impressive is that Italiano has been doing it while mixing his time at Glory with school and exams.
Italiano joined Glory on a scholarship in August following the closure of the FFA Centre of Excellence in Canberra.
In his three appearances for Glory so far he’s contributed three key passes, six successful dribbles and passed the ball at almost 74% accuracy.
There promises to be plenty more highlights to come from this talented teenager, starting with Saturday night’s home clash with Newcastle Jets at nib Stadium.
