The exultant face of AC Milan's 18-year-old striker Alberto Paloschi dominated Italian sports pages on Monday after an astonishing Serie A debut against Siena.
Paloschi, who came on in the 18th minute of the second half and scored after just 18 seconds, prompted dailies to note excitedly that this was the fastest ever goal on a Serie A debut.
''Homage should be paid first of all to the courage of this newcomer, who jumps on the first decent ball with the confidence of a veteran and slams it in the net. Kid, you've made history! No one has done better on their debut,'' wrote Gazzetta dello Sport.
The young player was was immediately likened by pundits to two other star youngsters who scored on their debuts for Milanese teams: Brazilian Alexandre Pato, for Milan, and Mario Balotelli for Inter.
In fact, Paloschi was already being called ''The white Ballotelli'' and even ''Patoschi''.
Hailing the two Italian talents among the three, several dailies said they signalled the arrival of a sparkling new generation, which the soccer establishment should make space for.
''These are fine kids that ignore the over-the-top nicknames people give them and put the dream back in Italian soccer. We should dare to trust these kids who have the ideal mix of prudence and courage'', said Corriere della Sera.
Paloschi's goal, a sweetly taken volley from a pass by Clarence Seedorf, lifted Milan closer to the Champions League berth it is seeking after the teams poor start to the season.
Milan is still in fifth place but it is only two points behind Fiorentina and it has a game in hand.
Commentators noted that Paloschi has already scored two goals for his team in the Italian Cup and expressed impatience to see Paloschi in action again.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was heard to murmur ''Incredible!'' when the 18-year-old forward scored, has said he may field him again on Wednesday for a Serie A match against Livorno.
In other Serie A action this weekend, the three top teams - Inter, Roma and Juventus - all won, while fourth placed Fiorentina drew at Atalanta, allowing Milan to close in.
