Nicolò Tresoldi’s father insists his son’s decision on whether to play for Italy or Germany won’t be ‘based on technical opportunity’ and admits the 22-year-old striker still dreams of joining Milan.
Tresoldi is one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers and has already scored six goals in ten appearances for his club, Belgian side Club Brugge.
Born in Italy, his family moved to Germany when he was a kid, so he represented the Germany national team at youth levels. Next summer, he’ll play the U21 Euros with Germany and then decide whether to represent the Azzurri or his current country at the senior level.
“It all happened by chance. We moved around a lot because of my wife’s job; she works in civil aviation,” Tresoldi’s father Emanuele, a former Atalanta defender, told Gazzetta.
“At one point, it seemed like we were going to move to Liverpool. Instead, we ended up in Hannover, where Nicolò showed he could make it as a footballer.”
Tresoldi thrived in the Hannover academy and went on to score 14 goals in 80 appearances with their senior team before joining Club Brugge in the summer of 2025.
Inevitably, Tresoldi’s father was asked whether his son will choose Italy or Germany: “We’ve talked about it a lot, but Nicolò will decide what’s best for him,” he replied.
“He will certainly choose with his heart, not based on a technical opportunity.”
Roberto Mancini and Jurgen Klopp have already spoken with Tresoldi.
“He had to manage a situation bigger than himself. He promised the German Under-21 coach he would complete the cycle: he needs only two more goals to break the scoring record at U21 level,” the striker’s father said.
“We’ll see after the Euros; in the meantime, we hope he continues to perform at a high level.”
As an Italian, wouldn’t Emanuele be disappointed if his son picked Germany?
“‘Disappointed’ is a strong word. Of course, I’m Italian, and Nicolò is too, by birth and family,” the striker’s father replied.
“But there are bonds of gratitude that are impossible to ignore. He grew up there, speaks four languages, and is a global citizen. In any case, he will disappoint someone. But he must be respected.”
Surely, Tresoldi is intrigued by a potential Serie A move one day, especially to Milan, as he already revealed earlier this year.
“Perhaps. His dream is to wear the Milan shirt,” his father confirmed.
But what if Milan’s city rivals, Inter, call him instead? “I’m not so sure he would accept; the fan’s loyalty might prevail,” said Tresoldi’s father.
Tonight, Nicolò is set to face the Nerazzurri on the pitch, with the Club Brugge forward expected to start in their Champions League clash at the Stadio Meazza.
“I feel emotion and pride,” his father concluded.
“Nicolò is slowly reaping the rewards of his hard work: he struggled to establish himself because he didn’t have the talent of a superstar or the physique of a powerhouse. Yet, here he is. A father couldn’t ask for more.”