Nigeria target Honest Ahanor must wait for his competitive debut with Italy's U21 side after the Atalanta centre-back remained an unused substitute in the Azzurrini's 4–0 rout of North Macedonia in a 2027 European U21 Championship qualifier staged at the Computer Gross Arena in Empoli on Thursday evening.

Had he featured, the Aversa-born defender would have been provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth, meaning he would need to file a one-time switch of association with Fifa to represent the Super Eagles in future.

Ahanor was among four Nigeria-eligible players manager Silvio Baldini selected in his matchday squad, alongside Luca Koleosho, Jeff Ekhator and Michael Kayode.

While Koleosho and Ekhator were named in the starting lineup, the Brentford fullback was introduced at the start of the second half.

The Azzurrini made a flying start, taking the lead inside four minutes through Cher Ndour. 

Luca Lipani came close to doubling the advantage before the break, striking both the post and the crossbar, but made amends early in the second half with Italy's second goal. 

The hosts maintained their attacking momentum, adding a third through Ekhator in the 50th minute, before Seydou Fini sealed the emphatic win from the penalty spot in the closing stages.

Ahanor will have another opportunity to make his competitive debut for Italy U21s when they face Sweden on March 31.