Kayode learned about Italy call-up after Chelsea win, confirms Nigeria approach

Michael Kayode says he learned about his first senior Italy call-up after Brentford’s 3-0 win over Chelsea on Friday and insists he never considered leaving the English club this summer, while Nigeria approached him about a senior call-up.

Kayode is among the ten potential debutants called up by Roberto Mancini for the upcoming Nations League games against Belgium, France and Turkey, which the Azzurri will meet home and away during the break.

Everything Kayode said in first Italy press conference

“I didn’t know about the Italy call-up before the game [against Chelsea]; I found out at the final whistle, on my phone. It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win,” he said at a press conference attended by Football Italia on Tuesday.

“Many full-backs inspire me, but the main one is [Paolo] Maldini. I love defending, and I believe he is the exception in this sport worldwide.”

The Brentford defender has received his first senior Italy call-up, but he already left his mark with the Azzurri at the youth level, scoring the winner in the Euro U19 Final against Portugal and helping Italy win the trophy for the first time.

“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” he said.

“I think Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour.”

A former Fiorentina defender, Kayode has made 63 appearances with Brentford, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

The 22-year-old joined Brentford on a €500,000 loan deal with an option to buy from Fiorentina in the January 2025 transfer window. The English club made his move permanent for €17.5m at the end of that campaign.

“I looked at the opportunities I had. I think almost everyone has the ambition to play in the Premier League, so I made the most of that chance,” Kayode said.

“I’m very proud. I spent a lot of time in Florence, and what I experienced there was fantastic. I owe Fiorentina a lot; in a way, it’s where I was born. Having the opportunity to be here and all be together means a lot. We come from many different leagues, and I think being here together is good for the group.”

Kayode has grabbed headlines in England also thanks to his long throw-ins.

“One day, I woke up and found out I could do long throw-ins,” he said, smiling.

“I didn’t use it much here in Florence, but at Brentford I found out they had a coach who focuses on this, so we are practising it in training, and it’s more used in England.”

Kayode is a product of the Juventus academy, and when the Bianconeri decided against retaining him, the defender joined Gozzano in Serie D, Italy’s fourth division.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Kayode is only 22, but he is already a proud father and revealed the gender a few months ago with a special social media announcement.

“I don’t think there is a greater joy. I miss them [his partner and daughter] a lot, but I see that as a source of strength. I’m not alone; I also have my family to fight for.

“I asked Brentford who I want to thank for the stadium’s availability. Then we came up with the idea together and decided to do it with the throw-in.”

There were reports Juventus were interested in him last summer, but Kayode is happy with how things are going at Brentford.

“It’s nice to hear people talking about you, especially when it comes from big clubs,” he said.

“I already had an agreement to renew my contract with Brentford, and I had already decided to stay with them and continue developing, so I never thought about anything else.”

Kayode doesn’t even regret leaving the Old Lady a few years back.

“Honestly, I can say no. If I’m here, it’s also thanks to them, because they gave me the strength to get back to this level,” he said.

“I have no regrets about anything, and I’m happy with where I am now.”

Kayode has reunited with Alberto Bollini, Mancini’s assistant coach and the former manager of Italy U19 when Kayode helped the Azzurrini win the Euros three years ago.

“I owe Alberto a lot. Winning the European Championship was unforgettable,” said the Brentford defender.

“Sometimes I still look at photos and videos from that year. He asked me to play as an advanced winger in that game, and I managed to score the winning goal. Seeing him again here was important.

“I spoke a lot with Di Lorenzo, even when I played against him at Fiorentina. We talked a lot about tactical things on the pitch; he is a source of inspiration,” Kayode continued.

“The manager works with young players, so being here and giving my best for the team is good for me.”

During yesterday’s training session, Mancini was seen giving Kayode tactical instructions on the pitch.

“For me, it was fundamental. By talking and doing tactical work in training, I immediately understood what the manager wanted,” the defender said.

“The fact that he came straight to me meant a lot.

“Missing out on the World Cup hurts, but I always think that when something happens to a group, it can be a starting point for a new beginning,” he added.

“We’re here for a new cycle, to work hard and give our best in these games.”

Inevitably, there was a question about the differences between Serie A and the Premier League.

“In Serie A, there is more emphasis on tactics, while the Premier League is more about transitions,” he said.

“You run more, and everything is a little faster, but both leagues have been important for my development.”

Kayode is one of the representatives of an increasingly multicultural Italy national team.

“Nowadays we live in a world where, both in Europe and everywhere else, we all find ourselves together. I believe Italy are ready for this as well,” he said.

Lastly, he spoke about the messages he received from his ex-Fiorentina teammates and the occasional meetings he had with Italian players in London.

“Yes, of course, there are so many [ex-Fiorentina] teammates. If I have to name one, I’d say Favasuli, who I’ve stayed in touch with. I think he is an important player and that he is doing great things at Napoli.

“In London, there’s always a chance to see each other. Whenever we have some free time and the opportunity to meet up and spend time together, we do. Especially Bove, Calafiori and Tonali. For someone like Donnarumma, who is based in Manchester, it’s more complicated.”