The Borussia Dortmund forward, son of former Brazilian striker Piá, made his senior Italy debut in a friendly against Luxembourg and is now preparing for his first Nations League fixtures.
He told Rivista Undici that former Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini was decisive in bringing him into the fold: "Baldini's fitness coach had called me and told me to be ready for the call-up, then when it came I celebrated with my friends."
Born in Bergamo and eligible to represent Brazil through his father, Inácio explained why he ultimately chose Italy.
"I considered all the options, but I chose Italy because I feel more Italian."
He set out an ambitious long-term target.
"My biggest dream is to win a World Cup with Italy."
Inácio also pointed to Italy's recent history of missed World Cups as extra motivation rather than a burden: "The missed qualifications are an added motivation, the goal is to bring back important emotions for Italians."
At club level, the 18-year-old is still fighting for a regular place at Dortmund, and named his first senior goal, scored against Eintracht Frankfurt last season, as a career highlight.
"It was the best day of my life, I've never experienced an emotion that strong."