Who is Honest Ahanor, the 17-year-old from'Atalanta who could play for the national team
One game and three quarters. That was enough for Honest Ahanor to make himself known and appreciated by all of Italy. The Atalanta defender, class of 2008, made the most of the sliding doors of soccer: in the away match against Torino, Hien’s injury catapulted him onto the field and he responded with personality, quality and veteran defensive solidity. Juric did not hesitate to confirm him a few days later at the Stadium against Juventus. The result? Another performance to be framed: precise coverage, timely anticipation, courage in bringing himself forward. All with the exuberance of a 17-year-old that, however, never flows into arrogance.
It only took 154 minutes in Serie A to ignite the enthusiasm of the fans: on social media there are already those who dream of a future Azzurri with him at the center of the defense for the next fifteen years. But the reality, for now, is more complicated.
Honest Ahanor was born in Aversa, in the province of Caserta, on February 23, 2008, to Nigerian parents. Raised in Italy-he moved to Genoa when he was just a year old-he is Italian for all intents and purposes, but not on paper. In fact, he does not possess Italian citizenship, a condition that until now has prevented him from wearing the jersey of youth national teams. From Genoa, a club that has invested in him since his early days in the nursery, he moved in the summer to Atalanta for a record sum: 20 million euros.
Genoa fought for a long time for the boy to obtain an Italian passport, but bureaucracy slowed down every step. The practice remains firm, while Nigeria is watching and may try to convince Ahanor to defend their colors.
In the meantime, soccer Italy is enjoying his talent, aware that what was seen in two games could be just the beginning of a brilliant career. But a crucial question remains open: will Honest Ahanor be the future bulwark of the Italian national team or the jewel we let slip away?
