26-year-old Super Eagles-eligible midfielder dumps Nigeria after dream Italy call-up

Talented midfielder Michael Folorunsho has capped his remarkable rise in the Serie A by earning a first call-up to the Italy national team squad.

Folorunsho, who was born in Naples to Nigerian parents, has caught the eye with his performances on loan at Hellas Verona this season from parent club Napoli.

After beginning his career toiling in Serie C, the hard-working central midfielder's progression has now seen him named in Luciano Spalletti's latest Azzurri squad.

The news will come as a blow to the Nigerian national set-up, who would have been monitoring Folorunsho's developments closely having been eligible for the Super Eagles.

But it seems the lure of representing the country of his birth on the biggest stage has proven too strong for the industrious midfield man after he was named in the 26-man squad per Football Italia.

Folorunsho's nomadic career has taken him from the lower tiers to loans at Bari, Reggina and Pordenone before this season's breakthrough at Hellas Verona.

His tenacious displays in the heart of the Verona engine room have been a key component of their impressive Serie A campaign to date.

At 26 years old, he could indeed be a wildcard pick as Mancini freshens up his European Championship-winning squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifying.

With his strong Nigerian roots, it remains to be seen if Folorunsho could still switch allegiances before being cap-tied by the Azzurri.

But for now, he'll be pinching himself at the remarkable rise that has taken him from Serie C obscurity to the brink of the international stage.

The talented midfielder, who has stunned with his long-range goals, has been impressive in the Serie A this season, scoring four goals with one assist.