Kayode: A poster boy for Italy's new era
The 22-year-old right-back is the face of a multiethnic revitalization of the struggling national team
National allegiance
While he could have played for Nigeria, Kayode also featured for Italy's youth squads, playing for the national under-18, U19 and U21 teams.
"Nigeria approached me, but it's an honor for anyone to play for Italy," Kayode said during his presentation at the national team's Coverciano training center last month.
At Coverciano, Kayode was also reunited with Alberto Bollini, who coached Italy's U19 team to the European Championship in 2023 and is now Mancini's assistant.
Kayode scored in the 1-0 victory over Portugal in the 2023 U19 Euros final.
"Seeing (Bollini) here again is fantastic. I owe him so much," Kayode said. "The feeling of winning that European Championship is unforgettable. I still look back at the photos and videos today."
Most Popular
- Nation tops Asian Games table for 12th time
- Chinese swimming phenom Yu Zidi named women's MVP at Asian Games
- 20th Asian Games close in Nagoya
- Sailor Bi Kun to carry China's flag at Asiad closing ceremony
- China claims first men's football medal in 28 years
- China sweeps golf team golds as Kim, Urs take individual titles
