“Folorunsho is a beast” – Italy boss Spalletti looking to beat Nigeria to exciting Napoli-owned midfielder

The Hellas Verona star has been excellent in his maiden campaign in the Italian Serie A

Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti has confessed he is closely monitoring Michael Folorunsho, intending to hand him a chance to play international football with the former World champions, Soccernet.ng reports.

Folorunsho had been a player of interest since signing for Napoli in 2019, but the versatile midfielder struggled with consistency and lack of opportunities in Serie A.

After playing on loan in the lower leagues for Reggina and Bari, the Lazio academy product joined Hellas Verona last summer for his first chance in Serie A.

He has grabbed the chance with both hands, featuring in 25 league games and contributing three goals and an assist.

Folorunsho’s latest goal and assist came in Verona’s 2-2 draw with Juventus, with the 26-year-old smashing an excellent strike into the top corner – a replica of Zinedine Zidane’s famous wonder goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the 2002 Champions League.

Eligible to play for Italy and Nigeria, Folorunsho could face a tussle for his international allegiance in the coming days.

Blessed with attackers from all over Europe and beyond, Nigeria’s Super Eagles need midfielders, especially following the team’s struggles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Folorunsho is one of the players the national team head coach could turn to when preparation for the 2025 AFCON kicks into gear.

Italy’s coach Spalletti is, however, eyeing the Napoli-owner star as well.

Speaking about his plans to guide the Italians to glory in the European Championship and the World Cup, Spalletti noted the importance of building a strong team.

And in putting a title-winning team together, Spalletti namechecked Folorunsho as one of the exiting players who can make his final 23-man shortlist.

As per Tutto Napoli, Spalletti said:

“Buongiorno is very strong, Bellanova is a force of nature, Calafiori is ready, Fabbian is a surprise, Gaetano is playing now, Folorunsho is a beast and then Cambiaso, Baldanzi, Lucca, Carnesecchi, Di Gregorio, Provedel…

“There may be new petals in the squad. The list is 23 but I will bring 4 or 6 more to the pre-call.”

Italy, though, are loaded with many top talents in midfield and Folorunsho could be careful in committing to a project where he may only play a bit-part role.

For the Super Eagles, however, Folorunsho can offer something different to Alex Iwobi in the attacking midfield role.

He is also comfortable as a defensive midfielder, a department Nigeria boast notable talents, including Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Wilfred Ndidi.

Folorunsho could excel as the Eagles’ box-to-box dynamo, a role left unfilled since Oghenekaro Etebo lost favour at club and country.