Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Michael Folorunsho stole the show with a stunning goal to secure victory for Hellas Verona in their Serie A encounter against Lecce at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare.
Folorunsho's moment of brilliance came in the 17th minute when he received a pass from teammate Tomas Suslov outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The 26-year-old's goal not only sealed the win for Verona but also earned him recognition from Opta statisticians, who revealed that he has now scored the most goals from outside the box in 2024 among players in Europe's top five leagues.
Despite facing tough competition, Michael Folorunsho showcased his talent and determination by playing the full duration of the match. He attempted three shots and completed 65% of his passes.
The victory has helped Hellas Verona secure back-to-back wins in the league, propelling them to 13th place in the standings with 26 points.
Michael Folorunsho Faces Dilemma: Italy or Nigeria's Super Eagles?
Michael Folorunsho finds himself at the center of a tug-of-war between Italy and Nigeria as he navigates his international football future. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Folorunsho is currently keeping his options open, sparking speculation about which nation he will eventually represent on the international stage.
Folorunsho's impact on the pitch has not gone unnoticed by national team coaches. Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti has acknowledged Folorunsho's potential and hinted at a possible call-up for the upcoming European Championship.
Despite the growing clamor for his services, Folorunsho remains grounded and focused on his journey. When asked about his aspirations to represent Italy at the Euros, he responded humbly, emphasizing his gratitude for Spalletti's recognition and his commitment to taking his career one step at a time.
“I’ve always done it step by step; I’ve done Serie C, Serie B, it’s my first year in Serie A,” Folorunsho said.
“Just knowing that the national coach says nice words is a great victory.”
While Folorunsho's star continues to rise in Italy, Nigeria, the land of his heritage, has yet to extend an invitation to the midfielder.
His decision whether to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria or opt for the azure blue of Italy remains shrouded in uncertainty. Folorunsho was the second-highest-rated player for Verona in the game, according to Whoscored.
Michael Folorunsho's journey to success has been marked by perseverance and hard work. On loan from Napoli, this season represents his sixth loan spell since joining the Serie A defending champions.
Despite the challenges, he has started all 26 games made available for selection for Verona in Serie A this term, contributing four goals and one assist along the way.
