Costantino Favasuli unexpectedly found himself in Italy’s starting lineup against Luxembourg, stepping in due to an injury to Marco Palestra. The versatile defender from Catanzaro seized the opportunity, describing his international debut as a “childhood dream come true.”
Favasuli was a late addition to the squad, having recently concluded his commitments in the Serie B promotion play-offs with Monza. Initially slated to be a substitute, an adductor issue affecting Atalanta’s Palestra led to Favasuli being included in the starting XI for the match in Luxembourg.
Favasuli Earns First Italy Cap
“It’s a childhood dream realized, not just for me but for all my teammates, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the coach for bestowing this incredible opportunity upon us,” Favasuli shared with Sky Sport Italia and RAI Sport. “I truly hadn’t anticipated playing, given that Palestra is among the world’s elite in his position. We are a remarkable, cohesive unit, and today we demonstrated our commitment to playing for one another.”
The experience followed a challenging period for Favasuli, who had to overcome the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion with Catanzaro against significant odds. “It was tough, as our primary goal was to secure promotion to Serie A, and unfortunately, it didn’t unfold as we had envisioned. However, it’s also thanks to that experience that I’m here today,” he stated.
“I extend my thanks to coach Alberto Aquilani and the club. It is a profound honor to represent my nation wearing the Azzurri jersey.”
Favasuli, who celebrated his 22nd birthday in April, is proficient as both a left-back and a right-back. This season, he contributed two goals and nine assists in 42 appearances for Catanzaro. He is a graduate of the Fiorentina youth academy and joined Catanzaro last summer, with Fiorentina retaining a percentage of any future transfer fee.
