Luca Koleosho’s Shift to Italy Threatens USMNT Aspirations

Luca Koleosho, a 20-year-old winger from Burnley, is being considered for the Italy national team as a replacement for the injured Zaccagni. He is eligible to play for Nigeria, Canada, the USA, and Italy, and his potential call-up may hinder the USMNT. JJ Watt has urged him to represent the USA, highlighting the excitement of upcoming international events.

Luca Koleosho, the Burnley winger, is poised for a potential quick transition to the Italy national team, following an invitation to join as a replacement for the injured Mattia Zaccagni. The 20-year-old is eligible to represent Nigeria, Canada, the USA, and Italy due to his diverse ancestry. Reports suggest that Italy’s head coach, Luciano Spalletti, has placed Koleosho on standby for the Nations League quarter-finals against Germany, indicating a possible immediate integration into the squad.

Born and raised in the United States to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother, Koleosho’s eligibility for multiple nations is further complicated by his past connections with Nigeria. He previously expressed his admiration for the Nigerian national team, stating, “My father made me a fan of the Nigerian team because he watches them a lot and he made me know most of the players in the team.”

Koleosho’s potential call-up to Italy would represent a significant blow to the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), which would benefit from his inclusion. Having represented the US at youth levels before switching to Italy, his decision could sway the future of American football, especially with major events like the World Cup approaching.

NFL icon and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt has publicly encouraged Koleosho to represent the US, highlighting the excitement surrounding upcoming international competitions: “Everybody, the brightest experts in the world… have told me that you should play for America… Wouldn’t it just be fun! Every international break, you are where you want to be.”

Luca Koleosho’s potential move to the Italy national team could disrupt the hopes of Nigeria, Canada, and the USA as he is exploring options amid international commitments. With his diverse heritage and previous associations, his decision carries significant implications for the future of international football, particularly for the USMNT, which would benefit from his talents. As he stands at a crossroad, the encouragement from figures like JJ Watt emphasizes the importance of representing one’s national roots in football.

Original Source: punchng.com