,autocrop(1200:630))
Lisbon, Portugal – The football world is taking notice of 18-year-classic Italian midfielder Federico Coletta, who has quickly become a standout performer for Benfica B since joining the Portuguese club last summer for a reported €1 million. Back in Italy, there’s a growing sense of disbelief that AS Roma allowed such a promising talent to depart.
Coletta’s recent performances have certainly fueled the discussion. He scored against Inter Milan in the UEFA Youth League and followed that up with a goal for Italy’s Under-19 national team against Slovakia. These displays have prompted Italian media, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, to delve into his journey from Rome to Lisbon and seek insights from those who know him best.
Gianluca Falsini, who coached Coletta for three years in Roma’s youth system, highlighted two key attributes that set the young midfielder apart. “Together, we won two championships,” Falsini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Along with Di Nunzio [still in Roma’s youth setup], I believe he is, by far, the most intelligent player I have ever coached. That’s his greatest quality. I could explain something to him, and within ten days, he had grasped it. It was impressive. Bonus number two is his mentality, because he’s practically a robot, a professional from a young age. He’s an ambitious guy, always wanting to win. I remember a period where, for two or three games, he couldn’t score or assist. He didn’t handle it well; you could see it even in training. Then, he broke through it, and everything returned to normal.”
Falsini as well acknowledged areas where Coletta could improve. “Few weaknesses, only his physical structure and speed over long distances. In the first 5-10 meters, it’s difficult to keep up with him, but then he loses a bit. In Italy, he might have had more difficulties, but the style of play they have in Portugal helps him. They exchange passes, give him more time. And that way, he can be devastating.”
The coach admitted that Roma may regret letting Coletta go. “It’s a shame, to a certain extent, because he went to an environment where he will learn at least two languages, Portuguese and English; where he will work following a different game methodology; where he will follow different concepts. This will benefit the player and Italian football.”
Coletta, who has drawn comparisons to Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi – himself a product of Roma’s academy – is seen as a potential star for the future. He recently revealed that he maintains a good relationship with José Mourinho, having known the manager during his time in Italy. “I’ve known him since my time at Roma, I speak with him often,” Coletta said.
Federico Coletta’s rapid development and impressive performances are certainly turning heads. According to Transfermarkt, his market value currently stands at €1.00 million, but that figure is likely to rise if he continues on his current trajectory. Born on May 29, 2007, in Rome, Italy, Coletta’s journey began with Vigor Perconti before he joined Roma’s youth academy in 2016. He has also represented Italy at various youth levels, including the Under-15, Under-17, Under-18, and Under-19 teams, winning the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with the latter.
His versatility is also noteworthy, being able to play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or right winger. Standing at 1.70m tall, Coletta is a right-footed player represented by P&P Sport. His contract with Benfica B runs until June 30, 2028, providing the club with a long-term asset.
The attention surrounding Coletta highlights the growing recognition of Benfica’s ability to nurture young talent. The Portuguese club has a long history of developing players who go on to achieve success at the highest level, and Coletta appears to be the latest example. His story serves as a reminder of the globalized nature of modern football, where young players are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad to further their careers.
Benfica B will continue their season with a focus on developing players like Coletta, while the young midfielder will aim to continue his impressive form and earn a potential call-up to Benfica’s first team. His next opportunity to showcase his talent will be in Benfica B’s upcoming league match, details of which will be announced on the club’s official website. Fans can also follow his progress with the Italian national team as they prepare for future international tournaments.
