Why Michael Kayode Was Not in Italy's Senior Squad for 2026 World Cup Play-offs

The exclusion of Brentford right-back Michael Kayode from Italy's senior national team for the critical World Cup play-off campaign raised many questions. This was further complicated when the Premier League talent was subsequently named a starter for the U21s' European Championship qualifier against Sweden after a late call-up to Silvio Baldini’s squad. Here’s an explanation for the confusion surrounding the player’s eligibility.

Why is Kayode playing with Italy’s U21s and not the senior side?

Kayode has been enjoying an exceptional season, both personally and collectively, with Brentford in the Premier League. His team is defying expectations, currently sitting in seventh place and pushing for a European spot, despite many pundits predicting their relegation at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Despite his impressive individual performances, Kayode was not initially included in Gennaro Gattuso’s 28-man Italy senior squad for the World Cup play-offs taking place this week. Surprisingly, he wasn't even named in the U21s squad originally. However, Kayode later received a call-up to Baldini’s U21 side, making an appearance as a half-time substitute in their 4-0 victory over North Macedonia in the U21 European Championship qualifiers. He was also selected to start in Tuesday’s qualifier against Sweden’s U21s.

Italy U21s head coach Baldini recently confirmed that the delay in Kayode’s call-up stemmed from a requirement for him to undergo additional medical check-ups in Rome. Baldini hinted that these tests might have been related to his heart.

Baldini explained that medical ‘regulations’ are significantly ‘stricter’ in Italy compared to England, particularly regarding heart-related conditions. He used Edoardo Bove as an example: Bove is permitted to play for Watford in the EFL Championship but is not eligible for Serie A or Serie B due to these differing standards.

During a recent press conference, Baldini stated, “He was called up in September, but he didn’t have eligibility because there are much stricter regulations in Italy compared to England. He couldn’t play with us; otherwise, he always would have been there. He arrived late now because he went to Rome on Monday to undergo some examinations, and yesterday he obtained eligibility.” Baldini added, “I don’t understand why we shouldn’t have called him up, given that he has also been a European U19 champion in the past.”

Kayode has since received full medical clearance following his additional checks in Rome. However, the initial uncertainty regarding his eligibility likely influenced Gattuso’s decision against giving him his first senior call-up, especially ahead of such a critical series of fixtures.