Simone Pafundi, the young Italian talent currently on loan at Lausanne from Udinese, has opened up about his development and future prospects in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio. The 18-year-old, set to return to Italy when his loan expires on December 31st, expressed confidence in his readiness for Serie A.
“After this experience in Switzerland, I’m ready for Serie A, where there are many young players now,” Pafundi stated. He emphasized the growth in his game, particularly in defensive aspects: “Here I’ve learned especially about the defensive phase: there are many counter-attacks. Looking at the numbers, one might say, ‘But Pafundi hasn’t done well in Switzerland.’ However, watching the games, I’d say that’s not true. I’ve also grown physically and in confidence. My experience with the Under-20s is confirming that I’m doing well.”
Pafundi also reflected on his surprising call-up to the senior Italian national team under former coach Roberto Mancini. “Mancini had already called me up for a training camp, but from there to actually being called up with the senior team… I was on the bus to Naples when Corradi, who was my coach in the youth teams, called me. He says, ‘Do you have something to tell me?’ I answer, ‘No, coach, why?’ He goes, ‘A little bird told me that…’ I went crazy: ‘Coach, are you kidding??'”
The young forward described his first experience with the national team as the “10 best days of my life,” despite feeling tense and under pressure. He appreciated the support from fellow young players like Gnonto, Scalvini, and Miretti, as well as from more established team members.
Pafundi’s debut for Italy came against Albania, an experience he called “incredible.” He acknowledged the pressure that followed his national team call-up: “The pressures that came from it were enormous. I suffered a bit, but now I’m ready.”
