Italy's legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has expressed interest in 21-year-old Nigerian-Italian defender Michael Kayode joining the Italian national team. Kayode, who plays for Brentford FC in the English Premier League, has been one of the standout players this season. His impressive performances have not only helped his team secure a top-seven spot in the league but have also caught the attention of international scouts. Born to Nigerian parents in Italy, Kayode has the option to play for either country but is currently leaning towards representing Italy. Kayode has already made a name for himself in Italian football, representing the country at the youth level. In 2023, he scored the winning goal that helped Italy win the UEFA European Under 19 Championship. With his impressive skills on display, Buffon believes he has what it takes to be part of the Italian national team. Italy is currently gearing up for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Northern Ireland. Buffon, who now works as the head of delegation for the Italian national team, thinks Kayode could be a fresh face that coach Gennaro Gattuso might consider inviting into the squad. Buffon's comments carry weight, given his close working relationship with Gattuso. "A big surprise has been Palestra; he's shown something extraordinary," Buffon said. "Another one who's doing well is Kayode. Vergara, too, definitely catches your attention." Buffon's words of encouragement will surely boost Kayode's confidence as he continues to impress on the pitch. It's worth noting that Kayode's potential selection for the Italian national team could be a significant milestone for Nigerian-Italian players, who often face challenges in pursuing their football dreams. As Italy prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Kayode's name will likely be on the lips of fans and pundits alike. Will he seize the opportunity to don the Italian jersey and represent his adopted country on the world stage? Only time will tell.