Italy Ahead Of Nigeria In Race For Hellas Verona Goalscoring Left-Back

Published: May 01, 2019

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that the Italian Football Federation have put themselves in a strong position to beat the Nigeria Football Federation in the race for the services of talented Hellas Verona defender Iyenoma Destiny Udogie.

Udogie is in line to represent the Italians at the upcoming European U17 Championship in the Republic of Ireland, having been included on the final 20-man roster.

The 1982 European champs at U17 level will do battle with Spain, Germany and Austria in Group D.

A left-back by trade, Udogie represented Italy U16 team in two friendlies before making his first competitive appearance for the U17s against Romania in March 2019.

The 2002-born player, whose father is from Edo State in Nigeria, has earned a reputation as a goalscoring defender, netting 6 goals in the Campionato Nazionale Under 17 - B this term, including two in his last three games.

It has been suggested that he will be promoted to Italy's U18 after the tournament in Ireland because he plays in a unique position.

Juventus defender of Nigerian descent, Paolo Gozzi Iweru starred for Italy at last year's U17 EURO, and Udogie will be hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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