Kayode ‘didn’t expect’ to score on Italy debut: ‘We wanted to prove ourselves’
BURSA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Sandro Tonali 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)
Michael Kayode admits he ‘didn’t expect’ to score a goal on his Italy debut and is trying to bring his Brentford throw-ins to the Nazionale.
The Brentford full-back had been pushing for his senior Italy debut for several years, and finally got his opportunity in this Nations League trip to Bursa.
He made the most of it, forcing a save for the Davide Frattesi tap-in and then scoring the second himself in an almost identical team move.
Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Pio Esposito completed the 4-1 rout against Turkiye, with only Baris Alper Yilmaz in response.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Turkiye 1-4 Italy
Kayode overjoyed by Italy debut
“I didn’t expect my debut to go like this, so I am really happy,” Kayode told RAI Sport.
This was perhaps the best first half performance of several years for an Italy team, surging into the 3-0 lead within the opening half-hour.
It was a complete transformation from the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium on Friday, with eight changes to the starting XI.
“We played in the first half with a fantastic simplicity and determination. We wanted to really prove ourselves, in a difficult match in an incredible stadium atmosphere, so winning here was fantastic,” added Kayode.
“We wanted to prove something and start the charge. Now we will face France.”
Kayode has become famous in the Premier League also for his incredibly long throws, and he put those to good use in tonight’s game for Italy too.
“We had tried a few things in training, but it wasn’t easy today with these conditions,” he said of the heavy rain and mud.
He was often seen with a towel trying to dry the ball before taking a throw-in.
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