Michael Kayode hails Roberto Mancini's 'enormous faith' after Italy debut goal

Kayode reflects on Italy debut and Mancini's faith

Italy talent Michael Kayode has said Roberto Mancini showed ‘enormous faith’ in him, and admitted he does not have a favourite Serie A club, although watching ‘Juve, Milan, Inter and Roma was spectacular.’

Kayode made his senior Italy debut during the latest international break, scoring in his first appearance against Turkiye. “Honestly, I would have been happy just to come on in the final minute to make my international debut,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Instead, the coach showed enormous faith in me by giving me a place in the starting line-up against Turkiye. 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.”

Brentford form and Thomas Frank link

Kayode has been playing for Premier League side Brentford since January 2025, when he completed an initial loan move from Fiorentina. The club made his move permanent for €18m the following summer. This season he has scored one goal in eight appearances across all competitions, helping his club climb to sixth place in the Premier League table, three points behind Chelsea in fourth.

“I think it’s a fantastic start,” the Italian defender said. “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. We’re not setting any expectations: we’re taking it one game at a time.”

He spoke warmly of his time under Thomas Frank and of Keith Andrews, who was part of Frank’s staff as the coach responsible for set pieces and routines and has since been promoted to manager. “I was lucky enough to work with Thomas Frank for six months when I first arrived, and Andrews was part of his staff, so we all knew him really well,” Kayode continued. “When he was promoted to manager, we were all delighted, and it made the transition very straightforward for everyone at the club. Obviously, we weren’t expecting to have such a fantastic league campaign last year. 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.”

Juventus release left no lasting doubt

Kayode spent part of his childhood in the Juventus academy but was ultimately released by the Bianconeri at 14. Speaking about it, he said: “It was tough, of course, really tough. But quitting? No, never. After all, I was 14 when I left: it would have been crazy to quit. But obviously there were sad, difficult moments.”

He credited his parents with his outlook: “My parents have always taught me that, whatever happens, whether it’s something terrible or something wonderful, you should always smile and stay positive in life.”

Heroes and Serie A memories

Kayode also played for Fiorentina, with whom he made his Serie A debut in 2024. Asked for his favourite Italian club, he said: “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.”

Kayode named Ronaldo, Maradona and Maldini as the three legends he would have loved to play with: “Ronaldo, the phenomenon, Maradona and Maldini.” He also said Erling Haaland is probably the best player in the Premier League currently.