Antonio Arena scores for Roma, raising questions over whether he will play for the Socceroos or Italy

Football fans in Australia have a new name on their lips after youngster Antonio Arena scored on his debut for Italian giants AS Roma.

The 16-year-old was subbed on late in an Italian Cup clash for the Giallorossi and coolly headed the ball past the Torino goalkeeper to level the scores with what was his very first touch for his new team.

Sydney-born Arena transferred to Roma for a reported $1.78 million in July 2025, after he had played for Serie C side Pescara, where he signed his first professional contract in February 2025.

At Pescara, he earned the nickname Il Baby Bomber because he scored just eight minutes into his league debut, and became the first player born in 2009 to score in Italy.

Two debuts for his two Italian clubs, two goals. The efforts of the 188cm-tall striker have put the football world on notice.

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It has been an 11-year journey in football for Arena, who began playing at the age of five; however, he will have to make a decision on his international future much quicker.

He is quoted as saying his football idol is Brazilian icon Ronaldo, which has given Socceroos fans on social media hope that he will be the next "Phenomenon" leading the line for the green and gold.

Socceroos or Azzurri?

Arena has dual citizenship with Australia and Italy, thanks to being born in Sydney and his Italian ancestry.

He grew up in the Western suburbs and began his football journey with academies Ucchino Football and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The young striker has represented both Australia and Italy at youth international level.

In 2024, he debuted for the Australian U16 side in a friendly 4-3 win over Switzerland.

Last year, he was called up to represent the Italian U16 team in a series of international friendlies and for Italy's U17 team at the youth World Cup.

At that tournament in Qatar, Arena scored twice for Italy, and was a pivotal part of the team's attack.

It is still open for Arena to play for Italy or Australia's men's international teams, but with his current rise, he may be pushed into a decision soon.

Last year, he said, "the Azzurri jersey always brings up lots of emotions for me" in a conversation with the Italian football association.

He said his parents were in the crowd for his Italy U16 debut and "they made that moment even more special".

There are other examples of young Australian footballers picking their allegiance, too.

Christian Volpato was born in Camperdown, and after spending time with Western Sydney Wanderers as well, he made the move to Italy.

The 22-year-old has consistently turned down advances from the Socceroos to play, opting instead to play with Italy's junior sides and to focus on his burgeoning career in Italy.

That being said, he has not made a final, official senior commitment to either nation.

The Socceroos' current captain, though, Alessandro Circati, did choose the green and gold over the blue and white.

Circati was born in Italy, before growing up in Perth, and despite representing the Italian U20 team, he chose the Socceroos.

The defender said he made the call to represent Australia after speaking with Italian footballing legend Gianluigi Buffon.

Buffon told him to forget external pressure and ask himself "what do you feel inside?"

A question that Arena will no doubt be asked as well.

High praise from Roma coach

After his stunning debut for Roma, his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, heaped praise on Arena.

"I'm happy about these very young players: one is 16 years old, and it's an important process for him,'' Gasperini said.

"He has a lot of energy to offer, and he's not afraid to put himself out there. He's already playing for national youth teams.''

Arena himself said he has "already learned a lot from our coach".

"He has won so many games, trophies, has developed so many strong players, I just want to keep working and keep playing," he added.

Speaking on his "great moment" at the Stadio Olimpico, Arena said, "I felt a bit nervous, but I came on and thought just about playing".

"For me, nothing has changed. I will keep working hard and train."

After his goal, the commentator shouted, "Perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a new star".

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