Kayode celebrates first Italy call-up with big performance against Chelsea

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Kayode of Brentford reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Michael Kayode has received his first-ever Italy call-up and marked the occasion in style, delivering a standout performance in Brentford’s impressive 3–0 victory over Chelsea: ‘He followed the game plan to the letter,’ wrote Gazzetta.

Brentford right-back Kayode is among the potential nine debutants Roberto Mancini called up for Italy’s upcoming Nations League games.

Kayode already left his mark at a youth level with the Azzurri, scoring the winning goal in the Euro U19 Final against Portugal in 2023.

The 22-year-old collected ten appearances with Italy U21 before receiving his first senior call-up.

Yesterday was a special day for the former Fiorentina defender, who marked his Azzurri call-up with a strong performance against Chelsea, helping Brentford win 3-0.

Kayode started the match and was substituted in the 69th minute, with his team leading 1-0. The Italy international had already played 90 minutes against Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Gazzetta notes that Kayode followed Keith Andrews’ tactical plan perfectly.

The Brentford coach asked Kayode “to stay deep in defence, alongside centre-backs Jannik Schuster and Kristoffer Ajer, and to make his presence felt in attack only on set pieces and with his long throw-ins,” the pink paper wrote.

“Kayode followed the game plan to the letter, staying back to provide stability in defence and pushing Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, the number-one threat to the Bees’ defence, to move away from him and instead exploit the central channels.”

Kayode joined Brentford on loan from Fiorentina in January 2025, and the Bees made his move permanent for €17.5m at the end of the campaign.

Gazzetta notes that the promising right-back has “already become one of the fans’ idols” at Brentford and that during the lap of honour after last night’s victory, Italian flags could be seen among the celebrating supporters.

Kayode signed a contract extension until 2032 this past July.