Stramaccioni hope for Italy: ‘Kayode can be best right-back in the world’
BURSA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy crosses the ball under pressure from Eren Elmal of Turkiye 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)
Andrea Stramaccioni believes Italy and Brentford talent Michael Kayode ‘can become one of the best right-backs in the world,’ one of many promising young Azzurri players.
The Nazionale faltered in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Roberto Mancini’s return to the bench, but got back on their feet with a 4-1 victory away to Turkiye and 1-1 draw in France.
Now they conclude this break for international duty in the Nations League by hosting Turkiye at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
Stramaccioni high hopes for Kayode and Italy
“Issa Doumbia was convincing, Momo Zoma will have his time, but if Kayode stays humble, then in my view he can become one of the best right-backs in the world,” former coach Stramaccioni told Il Messaggero newspaper.
The Fiorentina youth product has continued his progress since making the move to Brentford in the Premier League, and started both of the last two Italy matches, making his senior debut in Bursa.
He is not the only player to be given his big chance by Mancini in this run of games, and Stramaccioni has faith for the future of the Nazionale.
“Alessandro Romano paid the price for the bad first 30 minutes with Belgium, but has definite potential. Matteo Ruggeri did well in Bursa.
“Antonio Vergara also came on very well during a difficult phase of the match in Paris, but with the quality that he has, I expect him to be more incisive in the final third over the next games.”
Some of the players who impressed in France were not strangers to the senior Italy side, even if they were still very young.
“I want to underline the performances of Giorgio Scalvini, who was rugged and concentrated in a good pairing with Alessandro Bastoni. He looked like a veteran, but was the youngest on the field after Kayode and Pio Esposito,” added ex-Inter and Udinese boss Stramaccioni.
“I also have a special mention for Sebastiano Esposito. When he is so concentrated and motivated, I feel that he can raise the bar even further.”
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