Mancini’s faith propels Kayode’s debut as he rejects Serie A clubs

Michael Kayode thanked Roberto Mancini for the faith that saw him start for Italy against Turkey on 28 September, yet he insists he has no favourite Serie A club, even as he marvels at watching Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma.

International breakthrough

Kayode made his senior Italy debut during the latest international break, scoring in his first appearance against Turkey. He later told Sky Sport Italia, “Honestly, I would have been happy just to come on in the final minute to make my international debut.”

He added, “Instead, the coach showed enormous faith in me by giving me a place in the starting line‑up against Turkey. Then things went better than even I could have imagined. It was a match I’ll never forget.”

“Representing your country is the most wonderful thing of all,” Kayode said, reflecting on the atmosphere in Bursa, Turkey, on 28 September. The match took place at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu.

Born in France, Kayode spent part of his childhood in the Juventus academy before being released by the Bianconeri. He recalled, “It was tough, of course, really tough. But quitting? No, never.”

When asked about his favourite club, he replied, “I never supported one particular team; I never focused on just one. But Serie A was at an incredible level, especially when I was little. Watching Juve, Milan, Inter and Roma was spectacular.” He also named Ronaldo, Maradona and Maldini as legends he would have loved to play with, and said Erling Haaland is probably the best player in the Premier League currently.

Club career and ambitions

Kayode has been with Premier League side Brentford since January 2025, after an initial loan from Fiorentina. Brentford made his move permanent for €18 million the following summer.

He has scored one goal in eight appearances across all competitions this season, helping Brentford climb to sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points behind Chelsea in fourth.

“I think it’s a fantastic start,” the Italian defender admitted. He praised the work ethic at the club, saying, “We’ve worked incredibly hard since the beginning of the season to reach this level, and we’re really happy with what we’re doing.”

Kayode highlighted the influence of manager Thomas Frank and set‑piece coach Keith Andrews, noting, “I was lucky enough to work with Thomas Frank for six months when I first arrived, and Keith Andrews was part of his staff as the coach responsible for set pieces and routines.” He added that the promotion of Andrews to manager made the transition “very straightforward for everyone at the club.”

Reflecting on last season, Kayode said, “It’s a shame we missed out on Europe by one point. But we’ve begun this season brilliantly; we’re establishing ourselves, and I think we can achieve great things.”