Brentford star Michael Kayode scores on dream Italy debut

Brentford defender Michael Kayode enjoyed a dream senior Italy debut as he scored in the Azzurri's emphatic 4-1 Nations League victory over Turkiye.

The full-back had been waiting several years for his opportunity at senior international level and made an immediate impact after finally being given his chance.

Kayode played a role in Italy's opening goal, forcing a save which allowed Davide Frattesi to score from the rebound, before getting on the scoresheet himself from a similar attacking move.

Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Pio Esposito added Italy's other goals, with Baris Alper Yilmaz scoring for Turkiye.

"I didn't expect my debut to go like this, so I am really happy," Kayode said after the match.

Italy's performance was particularly impressive given their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Belgium just days earlier.

Eight changes were made to the starting XI and the response was immediate, with Italy racing into a 3-0 advantage inside the opening half-hour.

"We played in the first half with a fantastic simplicity and determination," Kayode explained.

"We wanted to really prove ourselves, in a difficult match in an incredible stadium atmosphere, so winning here was fantastic."

Kayode has become particularly well known at Brentford for his enormous throw-ins, and that weapon is already being incorporated into Italy's approach.

The defender revealed the national team had worked on routines involving his throws in training, although difficult weather conditions made them harder to execute against Turkiye.

"We had tried a few things in training, but it wasn't easy today with these conditions," he said.

Kayode was regularly seen using a towel to dry the ball before launching his throws into the penalty area.

After an impressive first appearance, the Brentford defender is already looking ahead.

"We wanted to prove something and start the charge. Now we will face France."

Kayode will hope his outstanding debut has put him firmly in contention for another appearance when Italy face France.

For Brentford, his immediate impact at international level provides another indication of the progress he has made in the Premier League and could strengthen his claim for a regular role with the Azzurri.