Simone Lontani spent four years developing at AC Milan before joining Parma this summer. Four months later, the 18-year-old is beginning to make his mark in Serie A.
The Italian forward developed into a productive attacker in Milan’s youth system, but the transition into senior football presented a different challenge. His move to Parma in June opened a new chapter at a stage when promising academy players must begin turning potential into performances against experienced opposition.
The early returns have been encouraging. Lontani scored twice against Catania in the Coppa Italia before registering his first Serie A goal against Monza in September. His latest contribution came against Lazio, where a late cross-shot found the net in Parma’s 2–1 defeat.
His progress has extended to international football. Lontani also scored for Italy’s Under-19s against France earlier this month, adding another milestone to a season in which he has begun contributing at both club and international level.
The move carries particular significance given his development at Milan, where he had established himself as a promising young forward without securing a sustained senior role. Parma have provided a different environment in which to take those next steps, with competitive minutes now offering a clearer measure of his development.
Lontani remains at the beginning of his professional career, and his early goals do not guarantee a permanent place in the starting eleven. But his first months at Parma have given him something every emerging player needs: opportunities to demonstrate that his performances in youth football can translate into the senior game.
Image source: @parmacalcio1913 on Instagram
