​Kayode ‘didn’t expect’ to score on Italy debut: ‘We wanted to prove ourselves’Michael Kayode admits he ‘didn’t expect’ to score a goal on his Italy debut and is trying to bring his Brentford throw-ins to the Nazionale.The Brentford full-back had been pushing for his senior Italy debut for several years, and finally got his opportunity in this Nations League trip to Bursa.BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Italy pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)He made the most of it, forcing a save for the Davide Frattesi tap-in and then scoring the second himself in an almost identical team move.Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Pio Esposito completed the 4-1 rout against Turkiye, with only Baris Alper Yilmaz in response.Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Turkiye 1-4 ItalyKayode overjoyed by Italy debutBURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Sandro Tonali during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)“I didn’t expect my debut to go like this, so I am really happy,” Kayode told RAI Sport.This was perhaps the best first half performance of several years for an Italy team, surging into the 3-0 lead within the opening half-hour.It was a complete transformation from the side that lost 2-0 to Belgium on Friday, with eight changes to the starting XI.“We played in the first half with a fantastic simplicity and determination. We wanted to really prove ourselves, in a difficult match in an incredible stadium atmosphere, so winning here was fantastic,” added Kayode.“We wanted to prove something and start the charge. Now we will face France.”BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy crosses the ball under pressure from Eren Elmal of Turkiye during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)Kayode has become famous in the Premier League also for his incredibly long throws, and he put those to good use in tonight’s game for Italy too.“We had tried a few things in training, but it wasn’t easy today with these conditions,” he said of the heavy rain and mud.He was often seen with a towel trying to dry the ball before taking a throw-in.