Michael Folorunsho has described his competitive debut for Italy at the 2024 European Championship as a dream come true for him.
Folorunsho who was born to Nigerian parents in Rome, has enjoyed meteoric rise in his career after making his Serie A debut in August 2023 at Hellas Verona.
In March 2024, the 26-year-old was handed his maiden invitation to Italy senior team and on June 15, he came on as a late substitute in the Azzurri’s 2-1 defeat of Albania in their Euro 2024 opener.
Folorunsho caught the eye of Italy coach Luciano Spalletti during his time at Napoli and he is still on the books of the Partenopei even though he has spent the last four seasons on loan at different clubs.
The versatile midfielder attributed his recent success for club and country to his hard work behind the scenes.
“It was impossible to think to be here 12 months ago. I don’t think I could have ever imagined it,” Folorunsho said in a press conference.
“At the heart of that there is hard work. I never stopped dreaming and that drives me forward. When you get to a certain level you have to work even harder to make sure you stay there.
“This is just another starting point for me. I need to continue working hard.”
Folorunsho ended the 2023-24 Serie A season with five goals in 34 games for Hellas Verona and he claimed the Serie A Goal of the Month for February 2024.
He is in contention to play a part when Italy face Spain in their second Group B match at Euro 2024 on Thursday.
