Michael Kayode says choosing Italy over Nigeria was never a difficult decision despite being eligible to represent both countries at senior international level.
The Brentford defender, born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, confirmed that the Nigeria Football Federation had approached him about switching his international allegiance. Kayode, however, said he had no serious doubts about continuing with Italy, the country he has represented throughout much of his youth career.
The 22-year-old has now earned his first senior call-up to the Italy national team, marking the latest step in an international career that has already included a significant achievement with the Azzurri youth sides.
Kayode played a key role in Italy’s run to the European Under-19 Championship title, scoring the winning goal against Portugal in the final. The victory gave Italy the Under-19 European Championship for the first time.
Speaking ahead of Italy’s upcoming international fixtures, Kayode acknowledged that Nigeria had made contact but said his decision had already been clear.
“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, according to Football Italia.
“For me, Italy have always been a great national team, and playing here is an honour.”
His comments underline the importance of the pathway he has followed with Italy since youth level. Rather than making a decision based solely on his eligibility through his Nigerian parents, Kayode has continued with the national setup where he has developed internationally from a young age.
His first senior call-up also came at a memorable moment in his club career. Kayode said he did not know about the selection before Brentford’s match against Chelsea and only discovered the news after the final whistle.
“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.
Kayode’s rise has also coincided with an important move in his club career. Brentford initially signed him from Fiorentina on a loan deal worth EUR500,000 in January 2025, with an option to make the transfer permanent.
The Premier League club eventually completed the deal for EUR17.5 million at the end of the campaign, reflecting the growing role Kayode had established for himself in England.
He has since made 63 appearances for Brentford, contributing two goals and three assists. His first senior Italy call-up now gives him an opportunity to continue a journey that began with the country’s youth teams and has so far remained firmly connected to Italy.
For Nigeria, Kayode’s decision represents the loss of a player who was eligible to play for the country through his heritage. For Kayode, though, the choice was closely tied to the international career he had already built in Italy. His position, as he made clear, was that there was little reason to change course.
