Michael Kayode: from Juventus reject to Italy's new hero
Brentford full-back Michael Kayode scored on his first start for the Italian national team in a 4-1 win over Turkey, becoming the 92nd Italian player to score on his debut. His path to the national side began at Serie D club Gozzano after Juventus let him go at 14.
Michael Kayode, the 23-year-old right-back who plays for Brentford in the Premier League, scored on his first start for the Italian national team in a 4-1 win over Turkey (Sprint e Sport, Goal.com). The goal made him the 92nd Italian footballer to score on his debut for the national team — a list that includes names such as Sandro Mazzola, Christian Vieri, Giuseppe Meazza, Silvio Piola and Carlo Ancelotti. The last player added to that list before Kayode was Mateo Retegui, who scored on his debut against England in 2023 (Sprint e Sport).
From Juventus to Serie D
Kayode was born in Borgomanero, in the province of Novara, to Nigerian parents. He grew up in Juventus's youth academy, but at 14 the club decided not to keep him. As reported by La Stampa, Kayode moved to Serie D side Gozzano, first on a season-long loan before the club signed him permanently in the summer of 2019. On 21 September 2020, at the Natal Palli stadium in Casale, coach Antonio Soda gave him his first start; Gozzano went on to win their group that season.
Fiorentina and a European title
Fiorentina spotted his potential in 2021. After progressing through the youth ranks, he established himself in the first team — according to La Sicilia, making 49 appearances with one goal and five assists. On 16 July 2023, Kayode scored a header to win Italy's Under-19 European Championship final against Portugal (1-0) in Malta, securing the country's second title at that level in 20 years.
The road to the Premier League and the national team
In January 2025, Fiorentina loaned Kayode to Brentford, and on 27 May 2025 the English club signed him permanently, on a deal running to 2030, later extended in July 2026 to 2032. This season he has scored against Tottenham and Wolverhampton, and has been named among the candidates for young player of the 2025/26 season (La Sicilia).
Head coach Roberto Mancini called Kayode up for Nations League fixtures. The player said he only learned of the call-up after a match against Chelsea, checking his phone (Goal.com). Although he could have chosen to represent Nigeria, Kayode said he never had any doubts about playing for Italy, having represented the country from Under-18 to Under-21 level.
Kayode came on as a substitute against Belgium, but against Turkey in Bursa he replaced Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the starting line-up and scored in the 27th minute. Sources disagree on which goal it was: Sprint e Sport and Goal.com say it made the score 3-0, while La Sicilia describes it as the second goal. All sources agree that Kayode also had a hand in setting up Davide Frattesi's goal in the same match.
