Michael Kayode: Fiorentina star wants to play for Italy, not Nigeria

The youngster is eligible to represent both the former World Cup winners and the African giants, but his decision is already made

Fiorentina youngster Michael Kayode has confessed he dreams of playing for the Italian national team, Soccernet.ng reports.

Kayode has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career over the past few years.

In 2021, the youngster played in Serie D with Gozzano before Fiorentina acquired his services and integrated him into the club’s youth system.

With Fiorentina, Kayode won one Coppa Italia Primavera and one Supercoppa Italiana Primavera and was called up to represent Italy at the youth level.

In July 2023, Kayode scored the winning goal that helped Italy beat Portugal in the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship to win the trophy.

Fiorentina immediately promoted him to the senior team ahead of the 2023-24 Serie A season, and he has not looked out of place.

Kayode scored his first-ever Serie A goal at the weekend as Fiorentina defeated Lazio 2-1, leaving the youngster overwhelmed with his career trajectory.

Having been born to parents of Nigerian descent 19 years ago, Michael remains eligible to represent the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.

The young full-back has, however, confirmed that he is looking forward to being invited to be a part of the Italian national team setup.

“First goal in Serie A? Honestly, I never imagined it,” Kayode told Radio Sportiva as per Sport Quotidiano.

“I think a lot about how fast this year has been. “It’s a beautiful thing, which I didn’t expect in the summer either… I get on very well with the coach. He taught me so many things to get into his game.

“Now I’m thinking match after match because it’s essential to do well here in Florence to then hope for a call-up to the national team for the tour in America. It’s nice to be competing to earn a place. For me, it would be a dream.”

The Nigerian Football Federation may, however, not be desperate to convince Kayode to play for the Super Eagles.

The right-back role is a department where Nigeria boast several exciting and experienced options, including Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Chidozie Awaziem.

All three were in the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 AFCON, where Nigeria claimed a silver medal.

N.B: Would you want Michael Kayide to change his decision and play for Nigeria instead of Italy? Leave your comments below.