Azerbaijani striker Lorenzo Mezzotero has been included in Sampdoria's first-team squad for their upcoming Serie B fixture against Ascoli.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing Italian media, head coach Luca D'Angelo has called up the young forward for the ninth round of the Italian second division.
Mezzotero, who captains Sampdoria's U19 side, has made an outstanding start to the season. The 18-year-old has scored eight goals and provided two assists in six Primavera 2 appearances, establishing himself as the competition's leading goalscorer.
His impressive performances at youth level have earned him further opportunities with Sampdoria's senior squad.
Although the striker, who wears the number 39 shirt, did not feature against Ascoli, he has already made first-team appearances in the closing stages of matches against Juve Stabia and Palermo.
Mezzotero's football journey has strong connections to Azerbaijan, despite his Italian birthplace.
Born in Monza, Italy, the forward spent much of his childhood in Azerbaijan after his family moved to Baku in 2014 because of his father's employment with SOCAR.
He began his football development in Qarabag's youth system before continuing his training at the academies of Leon and Neftchi.
In 2020, Mezzotero returned to Italy with his family, subsequently developing his skills at Atalanta's academy and Spain's Marcet football academy.
He joined Sampdoria in 2024 and made his senior debut on August 29, 2026, in a match against Juve Stabia.
The young forward also represents Azerbaijan internationally.
Holding Azerbaijani citizenship, Mezzotero made his debut for Azerbaijan's U21 national team in June 2026.
He marked the occasion by scoring the team's third goal in a 3-0 friendly victory over Bahrain on June 6.
With his prolific form in Primavera 2 and growing involvement in Sampdoria's senior squad, Mezzotero is emerging as one of the promising young Azerbaijani footballers developing their careers abroad.
