Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo is expected to lose his place at right-back for Italy after Michael Kayode made a strong impression during the September and October international break.
Di Lorenzo, who turned 33 this past August, was part of the Italy squad that won Euro 2020 in 2021. He has remained a regular starter for the Azzurri in recent years, despite protests from some supporters.
He began Italy’s first match of the break, at home against Belgium, but was replaced for the second fixture against Turkiye. Brentford defender Kayode took his place and delivered an immediate response.
Kayode scored on his senior Italy debut and retained his place for the following game against France. Across Italy’s last four matches, he has played the fifth-most minutes in the squad, underlining the rapid impact he has made at international level.
His performances suggest Kayode could become a regular in the Nazionale starting XI. He may also face competition from Chelsea’s newcomer Marco Palestra, who made his senior international debut in March 2026.
Kayode’s progress is particularly notable given his unconventional route into the Italy team. A former Juventus academy player, he was released by the club at the age of 16 and subsequently moved into Italy’s fourth tier, Serie D.
He joined Gozzano, where he gained regular first-team experience before progressing through the divisions and eventually earning international recognition.
“Obviously, going from a professional club like Juventus to Gozzano was completely different, but that experience gave me the strength to reach these levels and fight for something,” Kayode said at a press conference attended by Football Italia during the break.
“That Serie D season when I was 16 helped me a lot. It’s advice I also give to younger players: don’t despair, and don’t be afraid to drop down a level to get playing time and improve.
“With Antonio Soda’s trust, I played many games, and I have to thank him for that. My family have always supported me. They drove me around everywhere, and if I’m here today, it’s also thanks to them.
“If I’m here, it’s also thanks to them,” he continued, “because they gave me the strength to get back to this level. I have no regrets about anything, and I’m happy with where I am now.”
Kayode is already familiar to followers of Italy’s youth teams. In 2023, he scored the winning goal in the U21 European Championship Final against Portugal, helping the Azzurrini win the trophy for the first time.