Michael Kayode scores on Italy debut against Turkey in Nations League

Michael Kayode, a 23-year-old right-back for Brentford, scored in his first appearance for the Italian national team during a 4-1 victory over Turkey in the Nations League on 28 September 2026. Playing as a starter under coach Roberto Mancini, Kayode found the net after 27 minutes and also contributed to a goal by Davide Frattesi, establishing himself as a key performer in the match.

Born in Borgomanero, in the province of Novara, to Nigerian parents, Kayode's path to international football was unconventional. Released by Juventus's youth academy at age 14, he began his professional career on loan at Gozzano in Serie D, where he made his debut on 21 September 2020 under coach Antonio Soda. Gozzano signed him permanently in summer 2019, and he became a regular starter as the club won the Serie D title that season. This experience in Italy's fourth tier formed the foundation for his later advancement.

In 2021, Fiorentina recognised his potential and integrated him into their first team, where he made 49 appearances with one goal and five assists. A significant milestone came on 16 July 2023, when Kayode scored a header to secure Italy's Under-19 European Championship with a 1-0 victory over Portugal, coached by Alberto Bollini. In January 2025, Fiorentina loaned him to Brentford, and the English club exercised a permanent option that June, signing him through 2030. His contract was extended in July 2026 through 2032 with an option for an additional season.

Kayode's performances in the Premier League caught attention, including a goal against Tottenham in a 3-0 win and another against Wolverhampton during the 2026/27 season. His strengths include powerful throw-ins that create attacking opportunities, technical precision in tight spaces, and solid defensive discipline. His debut goal for Italy made him the 92nd Italian player to score on his first appearance for the national team, joining a historical list that includes Silvio Piola, Giuseppe Meazza, Giorgio Chinaglia, Sandro Mazzola, Christian Vieri, and more recently Mateo Retegui and Gian Marco Ferrari.

Mancini's decision to deploy Kayode as a starter, alongside the presence of Alberto Bollini as his assistant—the same coach who guided Kayode to the Under-19 European title—reflected continuity in his development. The performance in Turkey demonstrated the combination of attributes that have defined his trajectory: offensive drive, defensive reliability, and impact in decisive moments.