Brentford coach: Italy boss Gattuso ‘already knows’ what I’d say about Kayode

Brentford coach Keith Andrews praises Italy defender Michael Kayode, saying that the Azzurri boss Gennaro Gattuso ‘already knows he is a very good player.’

Kayode played a key role in Brentford’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Thursday, inspiring the home side’s leveller with a long-throw in.

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Andrews on Kayode: Gattuso ‘already knows’

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Neco Williams of Nottingham Forest is challenged by Michael Kayode of Brentford during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford at City Ground on August 17, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Gazzetta dello Sport asked Brentford coach Andrews what he’d tell Italy CT Gattuso if they were to speak about the ex-Fiorentina defender.

“I’d probably tell him what he probably already knows, that he’s a very good player, that he’s playing to a very, very high level on a weekly basis at such a young age,” the Brentford coach replied, via Yourlocalguardian.

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“He plays with such maturity, and you’re right, I’ve said this for quite a while, it wouldn’t be correct if anybody just assessed Michael and focused on his long throw, that’s just one part of his game.

“He’s constantly evolving his game, defensively he’s outstanding, absolutely outstanding, the way he deals with opposition wingers of a high level on a weekly basis. How he approaches that with a smile on his face, he’s a pleasure to work with.”

Kayode joined Brentford on loan from Fiorentina in January 2025, completing a permanent €17.5m transfer six months later.

Kayode to get Italy call-up in March 2026?

Fiorentina’s Italian coach Vincenzo Italiano (L) instructs his players during the Italian Super Cup semi final football match between Napoli and Fiorentina at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, on January 18, 2024. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)

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The 21-year-old has collected 31 appearances across all competitions this season and was the MOTM in last night’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

He hasn’t yet made his senior Italy debut, but has eight appearances with the U21 squad.

The ex-Fiorentina full-back inspired Italy’s U19 Euro victory in 2023, scoring the winner in the final against Portugal.

Gazzetta reported earlier this week that Kayode was among the Italian Premier League players Gattuso had met for dinner ahead of next month’s World Cup play-off.

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