The name Michael Kayode dominated discussion yesterday in the Nigerian football space after his goal for Fiorentina in the 2-1 win over Lazio in the Italian Serie A, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
He levelled scores for Fiorentina in the 61st minute before Giacomo Bonaventura scored what ended as the winner in the 69th minute to send Fiorentina up on the log standing to 6th.
19 year old Kayode is a right full back who is enjoying his breakthrough season with Fiorentina this season with 17 games under his belt. His performances has sparked talks about his international future as he qualifies to represent either Italy or Nigeria.
Born in Italy to parents of Nigerian descent, he appears to have already made his choice at senior level, which is sticking with Italy where he has been a youth international at two different levels. In July 2023, he decided the final of the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which Italy won 1–0 to Portugal.
On 17 October 2023 he made his debut with the Italy U21, in the qualifying match won 2–0 against Norway in Bolzano. According to head coach of the Italian national team Luciano Spalletti he has already received his first call up to the senior national team and it was injury that prevented him from teaming up with the team.
He made this known while discussing the dual nationality status of the young defender who is seen as one of the brightest prospects in Italian football at the moment. The coach also said he has his sights on Burnley winger Luca Koleosho who is also eligible for Nigeria.
“On Kayode I had already called him up personally but he sustained an injury which ruled him out for that window. Now we’ll assess him again. Luca Koleosho of Burnley is another pretty interesting profile”, he said in January.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
