Kayode set for Italy debut but likely bench role

Michael Kayode could become Italy's second-most valuable debutant ever, yet he may have to wait for his first cap.

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What happened. Michael Kayode is in line for his first Italy senior cap against Belgium in the Nations League on Friday, but reports in Italy suggest he is unlikely to start. The Brentford right-back is valued at €40m, which would make him Italy's second-most valuable debutant ever behind Alessandro Bastoni.

• Kayode has impressed in the Premier League over the last 12 months.
• He had not been called up to the senior squad before September.
• Marco Palestra's injury absence had raised hopes of a Kayode start.

If he features, Kayode would trail only Bastoni (€45m in 2020) as Italy's most valuable debutant.

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