Antonucci in dreamland after making Roma debut

The 18-year-old, a member of Alberto De Rossi's Primavera side, capped his debut for his boyhood club with the assist for Edin Dzeko's equaliser, ensuring it was a day the teenager will never forget at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

"I dedicate the assist to my family, who have always supported me - especially my mother," Antonucci said.

"You won't believe this but when I was younger I always dreamed I would make my debut at the Marassi [the Luigi Ferraris] - I don't know why but it is something I would say to my mother when I was young, it must have been destiny."

He added: "I have always liked the stadium, I dreamed of making my first appearance here and luckily it happened."

While reflecting on an unforgettable night, Antonucci was also keen to set his sights on the next challenge.

"It was a great feeling," he said. "I have graduated through all the age groups and put in the work and now this moment has come.

"I will continue to work hard, this is just the starting point. I haven't achieved anything but I hope days like this become the norm."