Brazilian footballer Italo, currently with Ural in Yekaterinburg, has stated that vodka is not part of his habits and that he has no intention of drinking it. He explained that while Brazil has places where danger lurks, tourists generally visit the country for sightseeing and recreation. He noted his own residence is in a region connected with his current club’s base in Russia, and he was clear: vodka is not his drink of choice and he does not plan to change that stance.
Italo joined Ural in early July, stepping into a squad that competes in the Russian Premier League. Last season, the 21-year-old forward played for Santa Clara in Portugal, where he made 12 league appearances and appeared twice in the Portuguese League Cup. This move to Russia marked a new chapter in his professional career, as he adapted to a different style of play and a higher level of competition in the domestic top flight.
So far this season, Italo has taken part in seven matches in the Russian Premier League. Despite his efforts, he has yet to score a goal in league play, but the experience gained from these appearances is expected to contribute to his development and the team’s forward options as the campaign progresses. Ural sits mid-table, ranking ninth in the league standings with 16 points. The club is preparing for the next round with an away match against Dinamo Moscow scheduled for October 29 at 16:30 Moscow time. This fixture represents another opportunity for Italo to showcase his skills and for Ural to push for a higher position in the table.
There was a recent health update concerning Italo, who underwent surgery and received treatment at a hospital in Yekaterinburg prior to or soon after his registration with the club. The exact nature of the procedure has not been disclosed, but the club and medical staff reportedly managed the situation to support his recovery while continuing his rehabilitation program. Details regarding recovery timelines are not publicly confirmed, but the emphasis remains on his return to full training and competitive readiness as soon as possible.
Notes from the club indicate that Italo’s onboarding at Ural came with expectations for his versatility in attack, his pace, and his ball-handling abilities. Coaches have highlighted his potential to contribute both as a goal threat and as a creator, adding depth to the squad’s offensive options. As the season unfolds, supporters and analysts alike will be watching how quickly he settles into the Russian league’s tempo and physicality, and how his development translates into consistent performances for Ural in the remaining fixtures. Attribution: RB Sports and team reports.