Brentford’s Michael Kayode
Sunday Mar 08, 2026. 11:00
Former Italian national team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged the Azzurri to call up Michael Kayode before Nigeria’s Super Eagles do.
Kayode, 21, has enjoyed a superb campaign with Brentford in the Premier League, making 28 appearances for a Bees team which has punched well above its weight in 2025-26.
His long throw-ins, physicality and energy as a right-back or right wingback have caught the eye.
Kayode is eligible to represent both Italy (he was born in Borgomanero, Novara) and Nigeria (his parents hail from the West African country). He has played for Italy’s U-18, U-19 and U-21 teams, but has yet to be called up for the senior Azzurri squad.
With the March international window looming, Buffon believes Italy should look closely at Kayode – both to boost their own World Cup qualifying hopes (they have a last chance to secure a 2026 ticket via the UEFA zone’s playoffs) and keep him away from Nigeria’s clutches.
“Another one who’s doing well is Kayode,” said Buffon, as per Football Italia.
The legendary goalkeeper won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and believes current coach Gennaro Gattuso will have the gumption to make bold selection choices, such as Kayode.
“If there’s something he [Gattuso] doesn’t lack, it’s courage,” Buffon added.
“Regardless of age, the national team is for those who deserve it. Of course, you need a certain core group; you get nowhere without one.
“You have to know how to use young players without burdening them with responsibilities. You must take fearlessness from young players.”
For his part, Kayode seems to favour Italy, but is keeping the options open: “For every player, it’s a dream to be in the national team, especially now because of the qualifications for the World Cup. I really hope we qualify,” he told The Athletic.
“It’s important to do very well at the club because if you don’t do well at your club, you don’t get a call-up. So I just think about Brentford and if I get the opportunity (with Italy), that’s it.
“I’m happy that the Nigerian people are happy for me. The opportunity to (be eligible to) play for both is amazing.”