A familiar name, a new star: Lorenzo Paratici announces himself with a flourish.
Rome, Italy – In the often-predictable world of pre-season friendlies, a flash of genuine brilliance can cut through the routine like a perfectly executed through ball. Such was the case this past week in Trigoria, where AS Roma`s training ground played host to a performance that has already set tongues wagging across the Eternal City. Young Lorenzo Paratici, son of the renowned former Juventus and Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici, didn`t just make his debut for the Giallorossi; he absolutely owned it, scoring a sensational hat-trick against Roma City in an 8-0 rout.
It seems the apple, or in this case, the football, doesn`t fall far from the tree – although Lorenzo`s chosen path is very much on the pitch, not in the boardroom. At just 16 years old, the striker, on loan from Sampdoria, offered a masterclass in finishing that belied his tender age and minimal time with the squad. Having only spent a mere five days training with coach Gian Piero Gasperini`s senior side, Paratici Jr. managed to bag a “perfect hat-trick”: a goal with his right foot, another with his left, and a commanding header. All within less than an hour of play. One could almost hear the collective gasp of “He`s just like his father… but with goals!” (A mild ironic jab, of course, at Fabio`s executive prowess vs. on-field exploits).
From Sampdoria to the Capital: A Rapid Ascent
Lorenzo`s arrival in the capital was part of a dynamic transfer window maneuver, seeing him join Roma on a loan-to-buy deal from Sampdoria, alongside fellow 2008-born forward Forte, while Cinti and Ferrara moved in the opposite direction. It’s a testament to his burgeoning talent that Roma moved to secure his services, even if initially on a temporary basis.
His journey to this high-profile debut has been anything but slow. Born in Turin on October 21, 2008, Lorenzo began his youth career at Pro Vercelli before moving to Sampdoria in 2023. There, he quickly established himself as a prolific scorer. The 2024-25 season saw him excel with Sampdoria`s U18 team, culminating in a promotion to the Primavera squad (their under-19 side). His impact was immediate and memorable: an unforgettable debut on January 17, where he scored against Udinese in a 5-1 victory after coming on for only seven minutes. He finished the season with an impressive 7 goals in 18 Primavera appearances, contributing to a total of 17 goals across 39 matches for the entire season.
The Modern Striker with a Familiar Idol
Described as a “modern striker,” Lorenzo Paratici possesses a potent combination of pace, agility, and a clinical eye for goal. He’s already represented Italy at various youth international levels, demonstrating that his talent isn`t just turning heads in club football but also on the national stage.
His personal hero, perhaps unsurprisingly given his lineage, is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo – the very same superstar his father, Fabio, famously brought to Juventus in 2018. The thought of a young Paratici emulating the goal-scoring feats of his idol while wearing the Giallorossi shirt is certainly a tantalizing prospect for Roma fans.
What Lies Ahead for Lorenzo and AS Roma
While it`s crucial not to inflate the significance of a friendly match debut, such a commanding performance provides more than just a glimpse; it`s a bold statement. With key senior players absent on international duty, Lorenzo seized his opportunity with both feet (and his head!). Gasperini, known for nurturing young talent, will undoubtedly be watching his development closely.
This hat-trick signals not just a promising individual talent, but potentially a refreshing injection of youthful vigor into Roma`s attacking options. As the Giallorossi look to build a competitive squad for the future, the emergence of players like Lorenzo Paratici offers a compelling narrative of homegrown talent (even if “homegrown” is currently on loan from Liguria) stepping up to the plate. The path to the senior squad is long and arduous, but if this debut is any indication, Lorenzo Paratici is off to a truly electrifying start. Keep an eye on the name – it`s one you might be hearing for years to come.