• Costantino Favasuli wins first senior cap for Italy in Luxembourg friendly
• Catanzaro full-back replaces injured Marco Palestra in starting eleven
• 22-year-old joined squad late following Serie B promotion play-offs with Monza

Costantino Favasuli has fulfilled a lifelong ambition. The versatile defender earned his first senior appearance for Italy on Thursday evening. He started the match against Luxembourg after Marco Palestra suffered an injury.

The Catanzaro star did not expect to feature from the opening whistle. Coach Alberto Aquilani had originally planned to use him as a substitute. However, an adductor problem for Atalanta talent Palestra forced a late change. Favasuli therefore stepped onto the pitch for the Azzurri.

“It is a childhood dream come true,” the 22-year-old told Sky Sport Italia and RAI Sport. “All of my teammates feel the same way. We must thank the coach for giving us this unique opportunity.”

Favasuli admitted he was surprised to start. “Palestra is one of the best in the world in his position,” he said. “We are a fantastic group. We play for each other.”

The full-back joined the national team late. He had been busy with Catanzaro in the Serie B promotion play-offs. The club faced Monza last week but failed to secure a place in the top flight.

“It was difficult,” Favasuli explained. “We really wanted Serie A promotion. It did not go our way. However, I am here today because of that team. I thank coach Aquilani and the club. It is a true honour to wear the Azzurri shirt.”

Favasuli turned 22 in April. He can operate as either a left-back or right-back. This season, he scored two goals and provided nine assists in 42 matches for Catanzaro.

He began his career in the Fiorentina youth academy. The defender moved to Catanzaro last summer. Fiorentina will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee.