Nicolò Tresoldi delivered the biggest performance of his career on Tuesday night, scoring a Champions League hat-trick as Club Brugge stunned Inter 4–3 at San Siro.
The 22-year-old Italian-born striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Lautaro Martínez equalised for the hosts. Tresoldi restored Brugge’s advantage after an error by goalkeeper Josep Martínez and completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute. Inter fought back through a second Lautaro goal, but Romeo Vermant added Brugge’s fourth before Ange-Yoan Bonny struck in stoppage time. The defeat left Cristian Chivu’s side without a point from their opening two Champions League matches.
There was a remarkable personal connection to the occasion. Tresoldi grew up supporting AC Milan, a detail his father, former Atalanta defender Emanuele Tresoldi, discussed with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the match. Kaká, Filippo Inzaghi and Alexandre Pato were among his childhood idols. His first appearance at San Siro ended with three goals against Milan’s greatest rival.
Born in Cagliari, Tresoldi moved to Germany during his childhood and developed through Hannover’s academy before joining Club Brugge. His rise has taken place largely outside Italian football, but his performances have increasingly brought him into the conversation surrounding the Azzurri.
Tresoldi currently represents Germany at Under-21 level and has yet to settle his senior international future. His father recently explained that Nicolò intends to complete his current youth international cycle before deciding whether to continue with Germany or pursue the opportunity to represent Italy.
For Inter, the result was a damaging European defeat. For Tresoldi, it was a breakthrough on the Champions League stage, delivered at a stadium with a special place in his footballing upbringing. With his international future still open, the Italian-born striker has given both countries another reason to follow his progress.
