CAMARDA AND CARBONI, READY TO TAKE OFF
Carboni’s move to Genoa: The Argentine starts afresh with the Grifone
Born in 2005 and the son of the former Catania player Ezequiel, Valentin Carboni came through the youth academies of Lanús, Catania, and finally Inter. With Christian Chivu’s guidance, he stood out in the Primavera, helping the team win the league title. On the international stage, following a stint with Italy’s U17s, he opted to represent Argentina after receiving an offer from Lionel Scaloni, and following his arrival, Argentina brought won the the 2024 Copa América. His first professional club experience came during the 2023/24 season on loan at Monza, where Coach Raffaele Palladino recognised his versatility across the attacking line and his unpredictable playmaking ability. Carboni ended the campaign with two goals and four assists in 31 appearances. After a strong season in Brianza, Inter mapped out the next step in his career by loaning him to Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi. However, his time in Ligue 1 was cut short after just four matches due to a partial tear of his cruciate ligament. In the recent Club World Cup, the spotlight was on Carboni as he secured a goal in three appearances. Genoa stepped forward with a plan that offers Inter the ideal environment for Carboni to grow. Under Patrick Vieira’s strategic system, he could be used as a creative wildcard in various systems: 4-3-2-1, 3-4-2-1, or even slot into a 4-4-2 mid-match. Genoa expect assists, dribbling, and flair. Inter want growth and consistency. This is a partnership that is designed to unlock the full potential of a player who remains a key part of Inter’s long-term vision.
Camarda’s move to Lecce: a survival test for a rising star
Francesco Camarda, the 2008-born prodigy from Milan’s youth academy, has long been seen as a generational talent. A prolific scorer at youth level, he’s always seemed destined for a thriving career in the Rossoneri jersey. Tall, physically imposing, and a natural striker, he made headlines on 25 November 2023 during Milan vs. Fiorentina, becoming the youngest debutant in Serie A history at just 15 years, 8 months, and 15 days. However, the 2024/25 campaign proved more challenging for him. Assigned to Milan Futuro, the club’s second team in Serie C, he found himself alternating between first-team call-ups and occasional appearances in the third division. He came close to netting a historic goal in both the Champions League and Serie A on several occasions, but his chances gradually dwindled. By the end of the season, he had only represented the first team for 270 minutes with seven goals in 20 appearances for Milan Futuro.
To kickstart his growth again, Milan have decided to loan him to Lecce, where he will work under Eusebio Di Francesco. The Giallorossi, who were the league’s weakest attackers last season, will welcome a physically powerful striker with explosive potential. Milan, meanwhile, are entrusting him to a coach known for nurturing young talent, as Di Francesco has helped develop young breakout stars like MatÃas Soulé at Frosinone. (Photo Website Genoa CFC+ X U.S. Lecce)