The duel for Palestra's strip heats up with Kayode in Italy
Italy secured a 4-1 victory over Turkey in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27, played on Monday 28 September in Bursa, with Michael Kayode, Brentford defender, starring on his national team debut by scoring the Azzurri's third goal.
Kayode's national team debut
The match, played on Monday (Monday) 28 September, is part of the group stage of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27. Kayode opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the first half with a left-footed shot that beat the Turkey goalkeeper, giving Italy the lead. He later contributed to the second goal, when Davide Frattesi finished against Turkey after the Turkey goalkeeper had saved his initial attempt.
The third goal came when Kayode received an assist from Sandro Tonali, scoring in the 55th minute. The two celebrated together at the Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu in Bursa, Turkey, cementing the Azzurri's advantage in the September match.
Italian newspapers' assessments
Most Italian newspapers named Michael Kayode Man of the Match, giving him a rating of 7/10. Corriere dello Sport awarded him 7.5/10, but praised Sandro Tonali with 8/10, while Tuttosport described the debut as “magical” with a score of 7.5/10.
Italy restores confidence in Turkey with three goals in the first half
Corriere della Sera raised the question of who will take Marco Palestra's place, currently injured, on the right flank, wondering which player can replace him. The newspaper noted that the plan is for Palestra, once recovered, to become the long‑term starter in that area.
Marco Palestra, former defender of Cagliari and Atalanta, moved to Chelsea for €60 million last summer, but has been out for weeks due to an injury. To date he has not yet made his competitive debut with the Blues.
Italy triumphs in Turkey: newspapers echo “Mamma Italy!”
Kayode had already made his mark at youth level, scoring the decisive goal in the 2023 U19 European final against Portugal, under the guidance of coach Alberto Bollini, now assistant to Roberto Mancini. His progress was also followed during last week's press conference at Coverciano.