Ahanor leaves Italy camp to join U21 national team

Honest Ahanor has left the Italy senior national team camp in Coverciano to join the Italy U21 squad ahead of their crucial clash against Poland in the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Italian sources, including Sky Sport and the Italian News Agency, have confirmed that Crystal Palace defender will join coach Silvio Baldini's squad.

Ahanour remained in Coverciano with the senior national team and did not travel to Paris for the match against France, before it was decided to utilize him with the Under-21 team for this important encounter.

Italy secured a 1-0 victory over Armenia with a goal from Alvadios Sisi in the 6th minute of stoppage time.

Italy currently sits in second place in Group E with 24 points, 3 points behind leaders Poland.

Poland won the first leg 2-1, meaning Italy needs to win by at least two goals in the return leg on Monday, October 5, in Pescara to top the group and qualify directly for the finals.

The match between Italy and Poland will take place next Monday, and its result will be crucial in determining the group leader.

If Italy does not finish in first place, there remains a chance for direct qualification as the best runner-up, while the other second-placed teams will enter the playoff for the tournament.