BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Italy’s Michael Kayode passes the ball under pressure from Turkey’s Eren Elmal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group stage match between Turkey and Italy at Ataturk Sports Complex Matli Stadium on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmed Mora/Getty Images)
Andrea Stramaccioni believes Italy and Brentford talent Michael Kayode “could become one of the best right-backs in the world”, one of many promising young Azzurri players.
After Roberto Mancini returned to the bench, the Nazionale lost 2-0 to Belgium, and bounced back with a 4-1 away draw in Turkey and a 1-1 draw in France.
They now conclude this break for international duty in the Nations League by hosting Turkey at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
Stramaccioni has high hopes for Kayode and Italy
“Issa Doumbia was convincing, Momo Zoma will have his time, but if Kayode is humble, I think 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 his Premier League move to Brentford and has started both of Italy’s last two matches, making his senior debut at Bursa.
He is not the only player given a big chance by Mancini in these games and Stramaccioni believes in the future of the Nazionale.
“Alessandro Romano paid the price for the first 30 minutes against Belgium, but he has some potential. Matteo Ruggeri did well in Bursa.
“Antonio Vergara also performed very well in the difficult phase of the match in Paris, but with his quality I expect him to be more accurate in the final third in the next games.”
While some of the players who impressed in France were still very young, they were no strangers to the big Italian side.
Former Inter and Udinese coach Stramaccioni added: “I want to highlight the performances of Giorgio Scalvini, who was tough and combined well with Alessandro Bastoni. He looked like a veteran, but he was the youngest on the pitch after Kayode and Pio Esposito.”
“A special mention to Sebastiano Esposito. When he’s this focused and motivated, I feel he can raise the bar even higher.”