Tosto tasks Folorunsho to take his Napoli chance

The Italian-Nigerian youngster is one of Napoli’s brightest prospects, and he could force himself into Luciano Spalletti’s plans ahead of next season

Young midfielder Michael Folorunsho can spring a surprise and convince Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti to include him in the club’s first-team plans, says former Italian defender Vittorio Tosto.

Folorunsho is one of Napoli’s most talented youngsters, and he did his reputation a world of good while on loan at Reggina last season. The 22-year-old featured in 30 league matches and scored six times for the Serie B side.

His performances have alerted many clubs about his qualities, with Benevento reportedly leading the chase for his signature.

Napoli have resumed pre-season preparations where new manager Spalletti is running the rule over the young Italian-Nigerian midfielder.

And former Italian full-back Tosto is tipping Folorunsho to show the former AS Roma manager that he is ready for first-team football in Naples.

“Can Luciano Spalletti enhance Adam Ounas, Gianluca Gaetano, or Michael Folorunsho? I expect a surprise,” ex-Empoli hero Tosto told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, as quoted by Area Napoli.

“He is a coach who is not afraid of anything and reads the pitch every day: if you prove to him that you are a player who is worth the Maradona stadium, with personality, it means nothing that you (have) come from a Serie B team, Spalletti throws you in.”

Folorunsho’s compatriot Osimhen, 22, is poised to be Napoli’s main striker next term under the tutelage of the respected former Udinese coach.