Michael Folorunsho: Nigeria’s AFCON reject fulfills Euro 2024 dreams with Italy

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Michael Folorunsho achieved a milestone he had long aspired to: making his international debut for Italy at Euro 2024 in Germany.

The 26-year-old midfielder came on as a late substitute for the impressive Nicolò Barella during Italy’s 2-1 comeback win over Albania.

Born in Rome to Nigerian parents, Folorunsho now finds his international future firmly tied to Italy. His journey to this point, however, was far from straightforward.

Eligible to play for both Italy and Nigeria, he was repeatedly overlooked by the head coaches of both nations. Notably, he could have played for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year if then-coach Jose Peseiro had selected him.

A representative of Folorunsho revealed the frustrations with Nigeria’s former coach.

“Folorunsho was keen on playing at the AFCON and I tried to make it happen by texting the coach, but he didn’t reply,” he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

“When I called, he picked and I introduced myself as a representative of Folorunsho and after a brief chat, he promised to get back to me.

“Days went by and I called him but he didn’t pick up and didn’t return my calls. It was two weeks later that the list of Nigeria for the tournament was made public. That’s how we got to where we are at the moment.”

Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, had a different perspective.

Familiar with Folorunsho from their time together at Napoli, Spalletti marked him out as a talent to watch.

He called Folorunsho up in March but did not debut him in the friendlies. Despite this, Spalletti included him in the final Euro 2024 squad, and against Albania, he trusted him in added time to help secure the win.

“He is a beast,” Spalletti once said of Folorunsho. “He offers different solutions physically, has a good outside shot, and excels in heading, which is crucial in set-piece plays.”

Folorunsho’s journey to the Italian national team has been a testament to resilience.

He began his youth career with Lazio, playing for their Under-19 squad and getting a call-up for a Coppa Italia match against Inter in 2017. However, he found himself in Serie C with Virtus Francavilla by mid-2017.

At Virtus Francavilla, he made his professional debut on August 26, 2017, against Lecce.

Over two seasons, he played 60 games, scoring seven goals and becoming the team’s standout player. His coach, Gaetano D’Agostino, recognized his potential early on.

“He was a ‘runaway horse’, but I saw great potential in him,” D’Agostino said. “I told him, ‘If you don’t make it to Serie A, you’re an idiot.'”

His performances earned him a move to Napoli in 2019 for one million euros.

However, breaking into Napoli’s first team under managers Carlo Ancelotti, Gennaro Gattuso, and even Spalletti was challenging.

This led to several loan spells in Serie B with Bari, Reggina, Pordenone, and finally Hellas Verona.

At Hellas Verona, under coach Marco Baroni, Folorunsho’s career flourished.

He played various roles, scoring five goals in 34 games and helping the team avoid relegation. His unique goal celebration, the ‘Folo Mask’, has gone viral.

“My best friend suggested I create something unique to celebrate goals,” he explained. “The ‘Folo Mask’ brings together elements from the most important people in my life.”

Italy’s next challenge is against Spain on Thursday, June 20. While Folorunsho may not start, he could see more playing time.

And one of his signature long-range shots might just introduce the ‘Folo Mask’, not seen at the AFCON, to the rest of Europe.