Alessandro Marcandalli, a 21 year old Genoa defender of Nigerian and Italian descent, has admitted he is torn between representing Nigeria or Italy at the international level. Born in Bergamo, Italy, to an Italian father and a Nigerian mother, Marcandalli is eligible to play for either nation. He recently made his Serie A debut for Genoa, becoming the third player of Nigerian descent to debut for the club this season.
Although Marcandalli has represented Italy at the U20 level, he has yet to decide which senior national team he will play for. In a recent interview, he expressed that he hasn’t made up his mind and will decide when a call up comes. Marcandalli mentioned that his last visit to Nigeria was when he was 10 years old, and he has a deep appreciation for his mother’s Nigerian heritage.
As the Super Eagles look to the future, Marcandalli is seen as a potential recruit to strengthen Nigeria’s defence, especially as some of the current defenders are nearing the latter stages of their careers.
Editorial
Alessandro Marcandalli’s dual nationality presents an exciting opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its defence. His recent debut for Genoa in Serie A highlights his potential, and the fact that he is still undecided about his international future should prompt the Nigerian Football Federation to act swiftly in convincing him to represent the Super Eagles.
With experienced defenders like William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, and Kenneth Omeruo moving towards the end of their careers, Marcandalli could play a key role in the next generation of Nigeria’s defence. His technical abilities, combined with his Italian football upbringing, would make him a valuable addition to the national team.
It is clear that Marcandalli values both his Italian and Nigerian heritage, and whichever team he chooses will benefit from his talents. For Nigeria, securing him would be a win for the future of the Super Eagles.
Did You Know?
- Alessandro Marcandalli made his Serie A debut for Genoa in the 2024/2025 season, following the path of two other Nigerian descended players at the club.
- Marcandalli has represented Italy at the U20 level but remains eligible to play for Nigeria due to his Nigerian mother.
- The defender mentioned that he has not visited Nigeria since he was 10 years old but appreciates the country’s rich culture and history.
- The Nigerian Football Federation has successfully recruited other dual-national players like William Troost Ekong and Ola Aina, and Marcandalli could be the next.
- Marcandalli’s addition to the Super Eagles could provide a long-term solution to Nigeria’s ageing central defence.
