Michael Kayode has received his first-ever Italy call-up and marked the occasion in style, delivering a standout performance in Brentford’s impressive 3–0 victory over Chelsea: ‘He followed the game plan to the letter,’ wrote Gazzetta.

Brentford right-back Kayode is among the potential nine debutants Roberto Mancini called up for Italy’s upcoming Nations League games.

Kayode already left his mark at a youth level with the Azzurri, scoring the winning goal in the Euro U19 Final against Portugal in 2023.

The 22-year-old collected ten appearances with Italy U21 before receiving his first senior call-up.

Yesterday was a special day for the former Fiorentina defender, who marked his Azzurri call-up with a strong performance against Chelsea, helping Brentford win 3-0.

Kayode started the match and was substituted in the 69th minute, with his team leading 1-0. The Italy international had already played 90 minutes against Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Gazzetta notes that Kayode followed Keith Andrews’ tactical plan perfectly.

The Brentford coach asked Kayode “to stay deep in defence, alongside centre-backs Jannik Schuster and Kristoffer Ajer, and to make his presence felt in attack only on set pieces and with his long throw-ins,” the pink paper wrote.