Brentford defender Michael Kayode says he will continue to wait for a senior Italy call-up, despite also being eligible to represent Nigeria, insisting that “the Azzurri” will always come first for him.
Key takeaways
- Kayode, a Brentford defender, has confirmed he will hold out for an invitation to the senior Italy squad.
- He remains eligible for Nigeria as well because of his family background.
- The 21-year-old has already built a strong pathway through Italy’s youth teams, including 10 appearances for the U21s.
- Kayode played a decisive role for Italy’s youth sides, scoring the winning goal in the 2023 U19 European Championship final versus Portugal.
- He previously held talks with former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso before a World Cup play-off in March, but did not make the final squad.
- With Silvio Baldini set to lead the senior group for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, Kayode is expected to be involved this time.
Italian priority despite Nigeria eligibility
Born in Borgomanero, Italy, on July 10, 2004, Kayode is 21 years old and has Nigerian heritage through his parents, which keeps the option open for a senior international switch to Nigeria.
However, he has been clear about where his commitment lies. Speaking to Tuttosport, he said he will always put Italy first, adding that even during his youth he grew up wearing the Azzurri shirt and hopes the dream of representing the national team can be fulfilled as soon as possible.
Kayode’s message was firm: while he respects the other opportunity available to him, he is confident about the route he intends to take.
Rise through Italy’s youth teams and previous senior interest
Kayode has featured ten times for Italy’s Under-21 team, with his debut for the Azzurrini coming in 2023.
That same year, he also made a major impact at Under-19 level. Kayode scored the decisive goal in the U19 European Championship final against Portugal in 2023, a strike that helped the youth Azzurrini win the tournament for the first time.
Despite his preference for Italy, he has not yet broken into the senior setup. He did speak with former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the World Cup play-off earlier this past March, but he was ultimately not included in the match squad.
Kayode explained that the experience still felt constructive, saying that he and other Premier League players also shared a meal together, and he felt involved even without receiving a call-up for the play-offs.
Friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece could be his next step
Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini is set to take charge of the senior Azzurri squad for international friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, and Kayode is expected to be part of the group this time.
