Coli Saco
Coli Saco | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 15, 2002 Créteil, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2017– |
| Known for | Central midfielder for Napoli, Mali U23 international |
Coli Saco (born 15 May 2002) is a professional football player who operates as a central midfielder for the club Napoli. Although born in France, Saco competes internationally for Mali at the under-23 level.
Club career
Originating from Créteil, Saco entered the youth academy of Le Havre in 2017 at the age of 15, before transferring to Sochaux a year later. He advanced through Sochaux's youth system and took part in the 2019–20 Coupe Gambardella, which was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In October 2020, Saco joined the youth ranks of AC Milan, but after one season without establishing himself as a regular in the under-19 squad, he was released. Following a successful trial, he signed with Italian side Napoli in September 2021.
During the 2021–22 season, Saco impressed while playing for Napoli's under-19 team and soon began training with the senior squad under manager Luciano Spalletti. He was called up to the first team for a Serie A fixture against Juventus on 6 January 2022; however, he had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.
On 15 July 2022, Saco was loaned out to Serie C club Pro Vercelli for the entire season. He made his professional debut on 3 September and netted his first goal on 5 November 2022.
On 1 September 2023, Saco moved on loan to Serie C side Ancona for the remainder of that season. Later, on 30 August 2024, he secured another loan deal, this time joining Serie B club Bari.
International career
In June 2023, Saco was selected for the final roster of the Malian under-23 national team participating in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. The Eagles achieved third place in the tournament and earned qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The following year, in July 2024, Mali's head coach Aliou Badra Diallo included Saco in the squad for the men's football competition at the Summer Olympics. Despite their efforts, The Eagles were eliminated during the group stage.
Style of play
A left-footed midfielder, Saco is recognized for his physical strength that aids him in winning aerial duels and retaining possession. Although not particularly fast, he demonstrates excellent game intelligence and contributes by creating chances through intelligent off-the-ball runs and heading ability. His vision and proficiency in long-distance passing further complement his role as a playmaker.
While comparisons have been drawn between him and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Saco regards Paul Pogba and Yaya Touré as his main role models.
Personal life
Saco was born in France but is of Malian heritage.
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Napoli | 2022–23 | Serie A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |
| Pro Vercelli (loan) | 2022–23 | Serie C | 34 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 34 | 3 | ||
| Ancona (loan) | 2023–24 | Serie C | 31 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 31 | 7 | ||
| Career total | 65 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 10 | ||
Honours
Mali U23
- Third place at the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations: 2023