Genoa include 15-year-old ‘New Lionel Messi’ wonderkid Pietro Pellegri in squad for Serie A clash against Torino

GENOA have taken the 15-year old ‘new Lionel Messi’ in their matchday squad for tonight’s clash with Torino.

Boss, Ivan Juric, confirmed Pietro Pellegri will travel with the team for the match against Joe Hart and Co.

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He said: “I will bring Pellegri to Turin.

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“He has a lot of talent, but we must ensure his growth is nurtured.

“I would like him to become a great striker for Genoa.”

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Pellegri was given a squad number at the end of last season and then manager, Gian Piero Gasperini gave him the highest praise possible.

Speaking at the time, he said: “I have with me the new Messi — I just hope he can keep level headed.”

Which is a bizarre and contradictory statement, especially given the fact he was just 14 at the time.

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Pellegri was born on March 17, 2001, and should he make his debut, he would remarkably equal the record as Serie A’s youngest-ever player, set by Amedeo Amadei in 1937.

While his debut would come at an earlier age than the great Gianni Rivera, who is considered one of Italy’s best-ever players.

The baby striker is quite an imposing figure at 6”2 has been likened to Christian Vieri, who was another sensational Azzurri hitman in the late-90s and early 2000s.

Pellegri has been playing in the Genoa youth teams — alongside players two or three years older than him.

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And the team manager is his father, Marco.

Recently, Serie A had its first-ever player born in this millennium, as 16-year-old Moise Kean made his Juventus debut.

While, despite being well-known for managing ageing players so well, Italy has recently started producing superb young talent, such AC Milan duo, Manuel Locatelli and Gianluigi Donnarumma.