Euro 2020 Winner Set to Lose Italy Starting Spot After International Break

FolioPitch.com – 08 October 2026 | In a dramatic shift in Italy‘s defensive hierarchy, Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break Giovanni Di Lorenzo is facing an uncertain future as the Azzurri‘s first-choice right-back. The Napoli captain, a stalwart of the 2021 European Championship triumph, appears to have been overtaken by Brentford’s Michael Kayode, whose breakout performances during the September and October international fixtures have reshaped coach Luciano Spalletti’s plans.

Di Lorenzo, who turned 33 in August, started Italy’s first match of the break against Belgium in Brussels. However, a lacklustre team display and the veteran’s own struggles prompted Spalletti to make a change for the second game against Türkiye. In came Kayode, and the 22-year-old seized his opportunity with a goal on his senior debut. The Brentford defender then retained his spot for the high-profile clash against France in Paris, delivering another composed performance. The message was clear: the Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break is no longer guaranteed his place.

Kayode’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Released by Juventus at 16, he dropped down to Serie D with Gozzano, a move that could have derailed his career. Instead, it fuelled his determination. “Going from a professional club like Juventus to Gozzano was completely different, but that experience gave me the strength to reach these levels,” Kayode said during a press conference. “That Serie D season when I was 16 helped me a lot. It’s advice I also give to younger players: don’t despair, and don’t be afraid to drop down a level to get playing time and improve.”

His journey continued through the ranks, and in 2023 he scored the winning goal in the U21 European Championship final against Portugal, announcing himself as a big-game player. Now, he is not only competing for a spot but has seemingly made the right-back position his own. Across Italy’s last four matches, Kayode has played the fifth-most minutes in the squad, a testament to Spalletti’s growing trust.

The implications for Di Lorenzo are significant. Once an undisputed starter, the Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break now faces a battle to reclaim his place. Age is not on his side, and the emergence of Kayode, along with the impending arrival of Chelsea’s Marco Palestra—who made his senior debut in March 2026—suggests that Italy’s right-back slot is entering a new era.

Di Lorenzo’s decline, while gradual, has been noticeable. His performances for Napoli have remained solid, but at international level, the pace and intensity of modern football have exposed vulnerabilities. The Belgium match was a stark reminder that even a Euro 2020 winner can be left behind when younger, hungrier talents emerge. The Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break narrative is not just about one player’s form; it’s about the cyclical nature of football and the relentless march of time.

For Spalletti, the decision is pragmatic. Kayode offers athleticism, attacking thrust, and a fearless attitude that aligns with the coach’s desire for a dynamic, high-pressing side. The Brentford man’s ability to contribute goals—as shown against Türkiye—adds an extra dimension. Meanwhile, Di Lorenzo’s experience and leadership remain valuable, but they may be better utilised from the bench or in a rotational role.

Italy’s next fixtures will be crucial. If Kayode continues to impress, Di Lorenzo’s exile could become permanent. The Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break is a headline that encapsulates the harsh realities of elite sport. It also highlights the depth of talent at Spalletti’s disposal, with Palestra waiting in the wings.

In conclusion, Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s tenure as Italy’s first-choice right-back appears to be drawing to a close. Michael Kayode’s meteoric rise, built on resilience and a never-say-die attitude, has given the Azzurri a new option. While Di Lorenzo will fight to regain his spot, the momentum is firmly with the younger man. The Euro 2020 winner set to lose Italy starting spot after international break may soon be watching from the sidelines as Italy ushers in a new generation.