Alessandro Marcandalli: Meet young Italian defender who’s on NFF’s radar

Foreign-born talents have always been a core part of the Nigerian Football team, and Italian defender Alessandro Marcandalli could be the latest to join that list, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been turning heads in Serie A with Genoa this season, earning recognition with two assists in 25 games for Genoa, 22 of which were starts.

Daniele De Rossi's side are currently 14th in the Italian Serie A, and Marcandalli has been an integral part of their journey this season.

Born on the 25th of October 2002 in Ponte San Pietro, Bergamo, Italy, Marcandalli’s journey has seen him rise through the Italian football pyramid, which hasn't particularly favoured youngsters in recent years.

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He began his career with Atalanta's youth team, Atalanta, a club renowned for producing elite defenders, before moving to Giana Erminio as a teenager in 2017.

After a brief spell with Serie C Giana Erminio, Marcandalli joined Genoa's U-19 side in 2021, although he subsequently spent time on loan at Pontedera and Reggiana in Serie B.

Two years ago, he got promoted to the first team, making his debut in October against Bologna. The game ended 2-2, but Marcandalli was withdrawn at half-time.

This season, however, he's been a rock at the back for Rossoblu, starting over 60% of their league games, and chipping in with two assists that showcase his brilliant passing ability.

Alessandro Marcandalli: Super Eagles switch on the cards?

The ex-Venezia defender was born to an Italian father and Nigerian mother, and is eligible to represent both Italy and Nigeria. He has already featured for the Gli-Azzuri's youth side, but his last call-up came in 2023.

His performance this season has caught the eye of the NFF, and he could be set for a Nationality switch, like Calvin Bassey and Emmanuel Fernandez have done in the last few years.

Marcandalli has been vocal about his admiration for Nigeria, the National team, the food, and the music, although he's still undecided about his International future.

​”When the call comes, I’ll decide. I’ll listen to my parents, but the decision will be mine; it will be very personal. I was in Nigeria as a child and I’d like to go back; I have family there,” the Genoa man told Todomecardo.

​He also spoke warmly about his cultural connection to his mother’s homeland:

“I listen to a lot of Afrobeats; I love it. I like my mother’s Jollof rice—spicy with peppers. I followed the Africa Cup of Nations closely and cheered for Nigeria.”

Italian legend Daniel De Rossi has publicly tipped Marcandalli for a bright future, suggesting he has the talent to play at a top-level club.

”Marcandalli is making great strides; he needs to acquire technical knowledge and is one of those players who can play for top-level teams. At certain levels, you also need great physicality,” the former Roma midfielder told Tuttomercatoweb.

Marcandalli’s contract with Genoa runs till the summer of 2029, giving the club leverage in any potential transfer negotiations.

For Nigerian fans, a switch would mean a proper squad-replacement strategy by the NFF that has been largely incompetent.

With Semi Ajayi in his 30's and William Troost-Ekong already retired, Marcandalli's switch would give the Super Eagles a pool of four sturdy centre-backs in Benjamin Frederick, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Calvin Bassey, and Emmanuel Fernandez.