Ruggeri, Kayode and Seba Esposito react to their senior Italy debuts on social media
BURSA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Matteo Ruggeri of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Matteo Ruggeri, Michael Kayode, and Sebastiano Esposito made their senior Italy debut against Turkiye on Monday and took to social media to reflect on the milestone.
Ruggeri, Kayode and Sebastiano Esposito started in Italy’s 4-1 win over Turkiye on Monday, making their first senior appearance with the Azzurri.
They all delivered solid performances and were praised by fans and the media alike. Brentford defender Kayode even scored Italy’s third goal and then wrote on Instagram: “A night I will never forget,” adding pictures and a video of his goal and celebration.
Sassuolo striker Sebastiano Esposito started alongside his brother Francesco Pio, an Inter centre-forward, and shared a picture of their celebration in Bursa, which has already become iconic.
“Singing the national anthem alongside my brother, making my debut, and the victory. A dream come true,” the striker wrote.
Aston Villa defender Ruggeri, who wasn’t initially part of the Azzurri squad but was soon called up to replace the injured Federico Dimarco, wrote: “A day I had been waiting for so long, and it has finally arrived. My debut with the senior national team, crowned by a great team victory.
“Thank you to everyone who has always been by my side, supporting me and believing in me as I worked towards this achievement, starting with my family and all the way to my closest friends.”
Italy are now preparing for their next match against France in Paris this coming Friday.
They’ll end the international break next Monday, hosting Turkiye at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna.
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