Another loss for NFF? Luciano Spaletti calls Nigeria-eligible midfielder up for Italian friendlies

Italian-born Nigeria-eligible midfielder, Michael Folorunsho has been called up to the Italian national team by Luciano Spaletti for their upcoming friendlies during the next International break, Soccernet.ng reports.

Folorunsho, 26, plies his trade for Serie A side, Hellas Verona, on loan from Victor Osimhen’s Napoli, and he won the February Serie A goal of the month, a stunning volley against Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus.

Primary a central midfielder, Folorunsho is versatile and can also play on the wings, and has shown his consistency, starting twenty-six games for Giallo Blu this season.

He was born in Rome, Italy, to a Nigerian father, starting his career in the Italian third division with Virtus Francavilla in 2017, scoring on eight occasions before he was picked up by Napoli.

He moved to Naples in 2019 but needed time to grow into the midfielder he envisioned himself to be, and he had to go on loan to several clubs, including Hellas Verona where he is currently making a name for himself.

With Nigeria’s lack of a midfielder who can break the lines in central midfield, Folorunsho was seen by many as the player who could fill the void, but it looks like his heart is set on playing for Gli Azzurri.

Soccernet.ng earlier reported that Italian boss, Luciano Spaletti described Folorunsho as a beast, highlighting his plans to beat Nigeria to get Folorunsho’s heart to don the blue Italian colours.

The title-winning coach with Napoli has had his way and invited Folorunsho to the Italian squad for Italy’s upcoming friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador later this month.

 

Folorunsho has scored four goals and created one in twenty-six games for Hellas Verona this season, and is keen on helping them retain top-flight status as they’re two points above the relegation spots.