At the start of the Under 17 European Championship finals, his fame had preceded him. With over 500 goals for AC Milan's youth teams, becoming the youngest debutant ever in the history of Serie A (15 years and 260 days in the game between AC Milan and Fiorentina on 25 November 2023), just missing out on winning the Youth League - in the final - and with 13 goals and five assists for Rossoneri Primavera this season, his profile is somewhat envious. Francesco Camarda was probably the most awaited player in Cyprus, and despite his young age and everyone's eyes on him, he did not fail to please; on the contrary, he went up a notch. With a perfect supporting cast, a national team that went unbeaten, the AC Milan jewel was free to unleash all his incredible talent.

Two goals in the group stage against Slovakia and Sweden, and a decisive penalty in the quarter-finals against England were just a starter. Camarda kept the main meal for the final: a brace - topped off with a superb finish to make it 2-0 - that saw Italy in control from the first minute to the last, eventually coming out 3-0 winners over Portugal to become European Under 17 champions for the first time in their history. The award for best player of the tournament, awarded by the UEFA panel of observers, was inevitable: Camarda finished in second place in the top scorers rankings of the finals (behind Portugal's Rodrigo Mora), winning - with eight goals - the overall ranking of the campaign, including the qualification phases.

With happiness still clearly present in his eyes, Camarda commented on the European Championship victory: "It's a very strong feeling, we are very happy, this team is a family, we give everything for each other and the result is a consequence of this. Winning the tournament was a dream and a goal for us, so having succeeded is special, and made even more beautiful by having done it wearing the Italy shirt. I dedicate this victory and the best player award to my family, to the people who love me and who have supported us, as well as, obviously, to the whole team, without whom all this would not have been possible." And on his wonderful goal to make it 2-0, Camarda added: "I acted instinctively, it wasn't thought out beforehand. It was a nice goal, but goals are a consequence of teamwork." A group that was able to support the talent of Francesco Camarda, the best player of the tournament, and who the whole of Italy is enjoying.