Italy coach explains why Napoli-owned midfielder Folorunsho did not make his debut against Ecuador

Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti has explained why Napoli loanee Michael Folorunsho did not make his debut in his side's 2-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday night. 

The Super Eagles-eligible midfielder was handed his first call up to Italy's national teams for the March internationals against South American opponents Venezuela and Ecuador. 

Folorunsho was not named in the gameday squad for Italy's 2-1 win versus Venezuela and it was highly speculated in the hours leading up to the clash against Ecuador that the Hellas Verona star was poised to make his debut.

However, Folorunsho was not even named on the bench against Ecuador and was spotted watching the game from the stands along with another player of Nigerian descent, Tottenham Hotspur's Destiny Udogie.

It has come to light that the Napoli-owned player was not in tiptop condition and was left out by Luciano Spalletti for precautionary reasons.

Folorunsho is suffering from a muscle strain and will be assessed by Hellas Verona's medical team upon his return from the United States. 

In quotes relayed by Calcio Hellas, Spalletti said: "Many of these players will be part of the final squad.

"We did what we had to do, giving playing time to everyone with the exception of Lucca and Folorunsho: both had some problems."

If Folorunsho is named in Italy's squad for this summer's European Championship and subsequently makes his competitive debut for the four-time world champions, he will no longer be eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: hellasverona.it

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com