Ferdinando Guarino insists Tottenham signing prefers Italy over Nigeria’s Super Eagles

The exciting talent is bent on snubbing the three-time African champions for the European giants

Ferdinando Guarino, agent of Udinese loanee Destiny Udogie, has confirmed that the talented youngster is determined to represent Italy and not Nigeria internationally.

Nigeria did not invite Udogie for the September friendly against Algeria, with the Italian-Nigerian defender believed to be inclined towards playing for the Azzurris.

But Italian national team manager Roberto Mancini also snubbed Udogie for the recent victories over England and Hungary.

Udogie was, however, called up for the Italian under-21 side and was involved as the youth team lost 0-2 to England U-21 and drew 1-1 with Japan U-21.

Nevertheless, Udogie’s snub raised concerns that Nigeria may tempt the 19-year-old to switch allegiance to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

But the player’s representative, Guarino, has moved to squash those concerns.

The football agent admits that Udogie was disappointed not to earn his first senior call-up, but he insists the full-back is focused only on Italy and no other.

“Udogie is a player monitored by the senior national team,” Guarino told Spazioj as per Fanta Calcio.

“This time we were hoping for a call-up but he was called up anyway with the ‘U-21, really showing a particular attachment to the national team.

“He had a physical problem – due to a clash on the pitch in the last championship against Inter – and despite not being at 100%, he gave his contribution, tightening his teeth and playing important matches against England and Japan.

“He has a great attachment to the Azzurri shirt; there will still be time for the senior national team. The goal is that. He is Italian, born in Italy, who feels the blue shirt and is proving it.”

Udogie moved to Tottenham in the summer from Udinese, but the Premier League side sent him back to Udine on a season-long loan deal.

The defender has two goals in six Serie A matches this term, as well as four yellow cards.

https://www.fantacalcio.it/news/calcio-italia/29_09_2022/udinese-agente-udogie-431818