Michael Kayode waited for his opportunity with Italy. On Monday night in Bursa, the Brentford defender made an immediate impression, scoring on his senior debut and playing an important role in a convincing 4–1 victory over Türkiye.
Handed a starting place by Roberto Mancini following Italy’s defeat to Belgium, Kayode was involved in two goals inside the opening half-hour. His initial effort was saved before Davide Frattesi converted the rebound. Minutes later, Francesco Pio Esposito found him in space, and the right-back finished confidently to score Italy’s third.
Kayode’s performance was another significant step in a career that has taken him from Serie D to Fiorentina and eventually the Premier League. Already a European U19 champion with Italy, he continued his development at Brentford while waiting for an opportunity to establish himself at senior international level.
His debut arrives at an important moment for the Azzurri. Mancini is assessing his options following another disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, and Kayode’s pace, attacking movement and willingness to advance from defence have given the manager another option on the right.
One impressive appearance will not settle Italy’s selection questions, but Kayode has made the competition for the right-back position considerably more interesting.
