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Video: 16-year-old Arena scores for Roma with first touch of his senior career

Published

3 hours ago

14 January 2026

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Antonio Arena of AS Roma scores the team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on January 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

It wasn’t to be on the night, but there was a special moment for 16-year-old debutant Antonio Arena during Roma’s 3-2 defeat by Torino in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night: Scoring with his first touch in senior football.

Roma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia at the round of 16 stage after goals from Che Adams and Emirhan Ilkhan at the Stadio Olimpico, which means that they miss out on a cup quarter final against Inter in February.

You can see how the action from Tuesday’s cup clash unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Watch: Arena scores with first touch on Roma debut

ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 13: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on January 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) — ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Olimpico Stadium on January 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

It was at times a hectic, end-to-end affair between the Giallorossi and the Granata in the capital. Mairo Hermoso had already turned the game on its head with an equaliser 30 seconds after coming off the bench.

But, the moment of the game fell for 16-year-old Arena, on for his senior debut against Torino. The Italy youth international leapt in the middle of the area and converted Wesley cross with a brilliantly-taken header with what was his first touch in the professional game.

“His first touch in professional football for Roma!” 😱😱
16-year-old Antonio Arena with a fairytale moment to keep Roma’s Coppa Italia hopes alive 👏 pic.twitter.com/18j4vuyp0W
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 13, 2026