Alessandro Marcandalli: Talented CB becomes third Nigerian to make Serie A debut for Genoa in 2024-25

Alessandro Marcandalli has become the third youngster of Nigerian descent to make his Italian Serie A debut for Genoa in the ongoing season, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The talented central defender committed his future to Genoa by putting pen to paper on a new contract last week, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2029.

A day after the deal was confirmed, Marcandalli received his seventh straight call-up for a Serie A fixture as Genoa welcomed Bologna to Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Saturday, October 19.

The 21-year-old was handed his Serie A debut right from the off and played the entirety of the first half before making way for Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

By making his Serie A debut, Marcandalli followed in the footsteps of promising Nigerian teenagers Jeff Ekhator (17) and Honest Ahanor (16) who made their top flight debuts in August and September respectively.

Born in Bergamo to a Nigerian mother and Italian father, Marcandalli has cited Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger as his role model.

He spent the formative years of his career at hometown club Atalanta and Giana Erminio, before transferring to Genoa in 2021.

In search of first team football, Marcandalli has spent time on loan at Giana Erminio, Pontedera and Reggiana.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: genoacfc.it

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