Honist Ahanor leaves Italy senior camp to join Under-21 squad
Crystal Palace defender Honist Ahanor has been released from the Italy senior national team to support the Under-21 side in their crucial qualifier against Poland.
Honist Ahanor has departed the Italy senior national team training camp to join the Under-21 squad in Pescara. The move is a technical decision rather than a result of any physical injury for the Crystal Palace defender.
Ahanor will link up with the 'Azzurrini' as they prepare for a must-win match against Poland. The qualifier is vital for Italy's hopes of reaching the European Under-21 Championship directly, as they currently need a victory by at least two goals to secure the top spot and avoid the November play-offs.
The defender did not travel with the senior side to Paris for their Nations League fixture, opting instead to train at the Federal Technical Centre in Coverciano. Because Ahanor has only played in two friendly matches for Italy back in June, he remains eligible to switch his international allegiance.
This situation leaves the door open for Nigeria, his other nationality, to continue monitoring his status. As he has not yet made an appearance in an official competitive match for Italy, he remains available for selection by other nations until he is officially capped in a competitive fixture.