The 17-year-old attacker Valmir Nafiu played for Basel U19 against their counterparts from Inter in a friendly.

Valmir Nafiu is currently training with Basel but is still officially a Shkendija player, the reason being that he is still not 18 years old.  However, once Nafiu turns 18 in April of 2012, he will officially complete his transfer to Basel.  Keep in mind that Nafiu was on trial at Spanish giants Barcelona last year after he impressed their scouts who were following David Babubski, a member of the Barcelona youth system.  Both Nafiu and Babunski are teammates on the Macedonian U17 national team.

Barcelona liked the talent of Nafiu but Basel soon emerged as the most interested team for his services.  He went on trial where he impressed the Swiss club and Basel and Shkendija reached a deal for Nafiu to remain in Switzerland before officially completing the transfer once he turns 18.

Today, the Basel U19 team played a friendly against the Inter U19.  Nafiu played the entire game as Inter notched the narrow 1:0 victory.

Score and lineups from Basel’s official website:

Inter Milan U19 – Basel U19 1:0 (1:0)

Inter Milan: Melgrati; Pecorini, Kysela, Galimberti, Bianchetti; Romano (88. Mella), Crisetig, Duncan, Voytus (80. Candida); Bessa (67. Benassi); Longo.

Basel: Salvi; Kreuzer, Zarkovic, Aliji, Müller; Nimeley (86. Santabarbara), Jevtic; Texeira (46. Corbaz), Nafiu, Buess;Maroufi (83. Shillova).