Italy leads Nigeria, the United States and Canada in the hunt for Burnley’s rising star

Italy have made another decisive move in the international tug-of-war for Burnley’s talented striker Luca Koleosho, who is eligible to represent four countries, Soccernet.ng reports..

Italy U21 manager Carmine Nunziata has named the 20-year-old winger in the squad that will play friendlies against France and Ukraine in November as Italy prepares for the 2025 U21 European Championship.

#Under21 🇮🇹

I 2️⃣7️⃣ #Azzurrini convocati da Carmine #Nunziata per le sfide contro Francia e Ucraina 📋💙

👉🏻 https://t.co/sEHGxNaD5J#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/tVmGD5nPEu

— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) November 8, 2024

Koleosho, who has Nigerian, American and Canadian descent, has not yet committed to a senior national team, which is keeping his options open. The United States, Nigeria and Canada have all expressed interest in securing his allegiance.

Born in the US to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother, Koleosho has already played internationally for the US at the U15 level, accepted a call-up to the Canadian senior team for friendlies in 2022 and won the UEFA European U19 Championship with Italy in 2023.

The Italian U21 squad will begin preparations on November 11 at the Olympic Training Center in Tirrenia, where Koleosho is expected to join the team and continue his development under the guidance of Nunziata.

Italy will be hoping that these persistent calls can eventually persuade him to fully commit to the Azzurri.

However, Nigeria remain hopeful of convincing Koleosho to bring his speed and skill to the Super Eagles, especially as they currently have limited attacking options on the flanks.

Koleosho’s versatility and attacking flair could make him a valuable asset on the right flank – a position that lacks depth alongside AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.

Interestingly, Koleosho is not the only player of Nigerian descent in the Italian line-up.

🚨 Here we go 🚨

Luciano Spalletti's latest squad 📋#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/9lrcYuZVuA

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 8, 2024

The Italian U21 squad also includes Michael Kayode, while the senior national team includes Leicester City’s Caleb Okoli and Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie, both with Nigerian roots.

For now, Italy seems determined to keep Koleosho in their ranks, but the race for his loyalty remains open.