Kayode’s former coach: ‘He’s a class apart,’ but I see why Fiorentina sold him to Brentford

Kayode’s former coach: ‘He’s a class apart,’ but I see why Fiorentina sold him to Brentford Michael Kayode’s former coach Antonio Soda admits he immediately noticed that the Brentford defender was ‘a class apart’ even at 16, but he can understand why Fiorentina sold him to Brentford in 2025. Kayode is a former Juventus academy player and an ex-Fiorentina defender who joined Premier League side Brentford in January 2025. Just a few years ago, at 16, Juventus decided not to retain Kayode in their youth sector, so the Borgomanero-born defender joined Gozzano in Serie D, Italy’s fourth division. BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy crosses the ball under pressure from Eren Elmal of Turkiye during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Turkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) At the time, Antonio Soda coached the Pidemont-based club. “The club was very attentive to its youth sector. They introduced me to Michael. It only took a few minutes of watching him to say: ‘Where did this kid come from? He’s a class apart.’ And I played him almost immediately,” Soda told Gazzetta. Kayode thanked Soda during a press conference attended by Football Italia at Coverciano last week. “I must admit his words moved me. Not everyone remembers my work,” Soda said. “In truth, though, I only did what was right: not stifle his talent and launch him. It was worth it.” Kayode already left his mark with the Italy national team at a U19 level, scoring the winning goal in the European Championship Final against Portugal in 2023. He played as a winger back then, but where did he play at Gozzano? “He didn’t have a defined role; after all, he was little more than a child,” Soda admitted. “He could play as a full-back or a winger. With his speed and physical strength, he’s an excellent reinforcement regardless. Even Mancini played him for part of the match in Turkey as a winger.” When did he realise that Kayode truly had quality? BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Kayode of Brentford reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) “One match, the first one. We were playing in Casale: he won a penalty and then cleared a goal off the line,” Soda replied. “Evidently, debuts bring him luck because he has personality. Kayode helped us win the league and thus secure promotion to Serie C, with the youngest squad in the group.” What did Soda teach Kayode? “Technique, for a start, which is now at a good level. And tactical discipline, which he still needs to improve,” the Italian coach replied. BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Kayode of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Sandro Tonali during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Turkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images) “I think he can grow in his ability to manage moments: he’s a wide player who is always keen to go forward, to push, but there are times when you need to slow down.” Kayode made his Serie A debut under Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina in 2023, but the Tuscans sold him to Brentford during Raffaele Palladino’s reign in January 2025. “On the one hand, I ask myself: ‘How can you let such a strong Italian player slip through your fingers?’ On the other hand, I thought: Fiorentina have Dodò in that role, and they received €18m for Kayode. So, it was an understandable operation,” Soda concluded.