Andrea Stramaccioni believes Italy and Brentford talent Michael Kayode ‘can become one of the best right-backs in the world,’ one of many promising young Azzurri players.

The Nazionale faltered in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Roberto Mancini’s return to the bench, but got back on their feet with a 4-1 victory away to Turkiye and 1-1 draw in France.

Now they conclude this break for international duty in the Nations League by hosting Turkiye at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna on Monday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

“Issa Doumbia was convincing, Momo Zoma will have his time, but if Kayode stays humble, then in my view 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 making the move to Brentford in the Premier League, and started both of the last two Italy matches, making his senior debut in Bursa.

He is not the only player to be given his big chance by Mancini in this run of games, and Stramaccioni has faith for the future of the Nazionale.

“Alessandro Romano paid the price for the bad first 30 minutes with Belgium, but has definite potential. Matteo Ruggeri did well in Bursa.

“Antonio Vergara also came on very well during a difficult phase of the match in Paris, but with the quality that he has, I expect him to be more incisive in the final third over the next games.”

From a tactical formation and squad depth perspective, "Stramaccioni hope for Italy: ‘Kayode can be best right-back in the world’" carries substantial tournament implications for international seeding and domestic campaign momentum. Coaching staffs are heavily weighing high-pressing efficiency (PPDA), defensive transition pace, and fixture fatigue management.

Tactical analysts monitoring Stadi USA-MEX-CAN metrics emphasize that squad adaptability and set-piece execution will likely dictate outcomes in high-leverage knockout environments. Real-time match telemetry and tracking data continue to inform managerial decision-making.

Editorial Fact-Check & Verification Note: This briefing was curated, corroborated, and synthesized by the Mondiali 2026 Italia Editorial Desk. Readers following "Stramaccioni hope for Italy: ‘Kayode can be best right-back in the world’" are encouraged to review the full primary source coverage linked below for complete historical context, direct quotes, and official statements.