‘A dream come true’ with first Italy cap at 22 after Palestra injury
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Costantino Favasuli of Italy U21 in action during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Costantino Favasuli was not meant to start for Italy tonight, but Marco Palestra’s injury allowed him to impress against Luxembourg. ‘It’s a childhood dream come true.’
The versatile Catanzaro full-back was a late addition to the squad, as he was participating in the Serie B promotion play-offs against Monza until last week.
He was then meant to be on the bench, but a minor adductor issue for Atalanta talent Palestra saw him thrown into the starting XI in Luxembourg this evening.
Favasuli makes Italy debut
“It is a childhood dream come true for me, just like all of my teammates, and we must thank the coach for giving us this unique opportunity,” Favasuli told Sky Sport Italia and RAI Sport.
“I really wasn’t expecting to play, as Palestra is one of the best in the world in his role. We are a fantastic group, really united, and we saw today that we play for each other.”
It was a tough few days for the player, who had to shake off the disappointment of coming so close to promotion with Catanzaro against the odds.
“It was difficult, as we really wanted to secure Serie A promotion and it didn’t go the way we hoped, but it is also thanks to them that I am here today.
“I thank coach Alberto Aquilani and the club. It is a true honour to be able to represent my country with the Azzurri jersey.”
Favasuli only turned 22 in April and can play as a left-back or right-back, scoring two goals with nine assists in 42 games for Catanzaro this season.
He is a product of the Fiorentina youth academy and moved to Catanzaro last summer with the Viola receiving a cut of the future sale fee.
