Italy lead Nigeria, the United States, and Canada in pursuit of Burnley’s rising star

Italy have made another decisive move in the international tug-of-war for Burnley's talented forward Luca Koleosho, who is eligible to represent four countries, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Italian U21 manager Carmine Nunziata has included the 20-year-old winger in the squad set to play friendlies against France and Ukraine in November, as Italy looks to prepare for the 2025 U21 European Championship.

https://twitter.com/Azzurri/status/1854931919752118654

Koleosho, who has Nigerian, American, and Canadian heritage, has not yet committed to any senior national team, which keeps his options open. The United States, Nigeria, and Canada have all shown interest in securing his allegiance.

Born in the U.S. to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother, Koleosho has already experienced international play for the U.S. at U15 level, accepted a call-up to Canada’s senior team for friendlies in 2022, and won the UEFA European U19 Championship with Italy in 2023.

The Italian U21 squad will begin preparations on November 11 at the Olympic Training Center in Tirrenia, where Koleosho is expected to join the team and continue his development under Nunziata’s guidance.

Italy hopes these ongoing call-ups may ultimately sway him towards committing fully to the Azzurri.

Nigeria, however, remain hopeful of convincing Koleosho to bring his speed and skill to the Super Eagles, particularly as they currently have limited attacking options on the wings.

With Koleosho’s versatility and attacking flair, he could become a valuable addition on the right flank — a position that lacks depth beyond AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze.

Interestingly, Koleosho is not the only player of Nigerian descent in Italy's setup.

https://twitter.com/Azzurri_En/status/1854939787276304656

The Italian U21 squad also features Michael Kayode, while the senior national team includes Leicester City's Caleb Okoli and Tottenham's Destiny Udogie, both with Nigerian roots.

For now, Italy appear determined to keep Koleosho in their ranks, but the race for his allegiance remains open.