Napoli manager Spalletti running the rule over gifted youngster of Nigerian descent

Club-record signing Victor Osimhen is not the only Nigerian at Napoli with a fine midfield prospect looking to impress the new manager

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti could integrate Nigerian-Italian midfielder Michael Folorunsho into the club’s senior team after the youngster impressed during the preseason training in Dimario.

Born in Rome to Nigerian parents, Folorunsho joined Napoli in July 2019 from Virtus Francavilla for around one million euros.

The 23-year-old, however, played his first-ever match in Napoli’s colours when Il Partenopei thrashed local team Bassa Anaunia last week.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who is a year younger, scored four goals in 37 minutes in that encounter.

Folorunsho recently returned from an on-loan spell in Reggina, where he scored six goals and provided three assists in 30 league appearances.

Spalletti has been keeping the attacking midfielder under watch to decide whether he is ready to make the step up to the main Napoli squad or to take another year on loan to gain more experience.

But with Bakayoko’s return to Chelsea following a disappointing time in Naples, Folorunsho is hoping to step into the space left behind in midfield.

Injury to midfield anchor Diego Demme in Napoli’s latest friendly tie against Pro Vercelli has left the Azzurris light in the middle of the park. As a result, The club has decided that no midfielder would be allowed to leave until January.

That would present a chance for Folorunsho, who is being trailed by Benevento, to get some competitive games for Napoli in the first half of next season.