Udogie fulfils childhood dream after making Italy debut

Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie has revealed his delight after making his debut for Italy against Malta. 

Udogie replaced Federico Dimarco after 89 minutes of the 2024 Euros qualifying match and provided an assist on his debut, setting up Davide Frattesi for the fourth goal of the match. 

The Spurs defender of Nigerian descent spoke after the game to express his joy after making a perfect start to his life as an Italian international. 

He told RAI Sport, “Wearing the Italy jersey was a dream I had since childhood, and now it has come true. 

“I am very happy and even happier with the victory that allows us to continue pushing for qualification.”

Despite having Nigerian ancestry, Udogie has never been close to playing for the Super Eagles after already representing Italy at various youth levels before finally making his senior debut with the Azzurri. 

The former Udinese defender made a total of 38 youth appearances in five years for Italian youth teams and will be hoping he can replicate that level of consistency with the senior national team.

Udogie joined Tottenham’s first team this summer after a loan spell with Udinese and has been crucial for Spurs as they climbed to the top of the Premier League table after the first two months of the 2023/24 season.