Spurs star Udogie sets sights on ‘dream’ of playing for Italy at World Cup | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie has revealed his ‘dream’ to play with Italy at the World Cup, after admitting ‘it was a blow’ to miss the European Championships last summer.

Udogie reveals how his football journey started

Speaking in a lengthy interview with VivoAzzurroTV, with quotes via TMW, Udogie opened by explaining how his footballing journey began: “I was at a tournament in Nogara, where I lived, and there were several scouts – from Atalanta, Milan and Hellas Verona. I remember the one from Atalanta stopped my coach and asked how old I was. He replied that I was born in 2002 and the scout didn’t believe it was because I was already a bit bigger than the other guys. My father had to show him my documents and told him I was born here in Italy – and then he believed it! [Laughs]”

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Destiny Udogie of Italy battles for possession with Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Udogie’s youth career began with Hellas Verona in 2017 – where he spent four years before his move to Udinese. Udogie made just six Serie A appearances with the Veronese side before moving to Udinese on loan with an obligation to buy. After spending just one season with Udinese, Premier League side Spurs snapped up the full-back for €20 million – immediately loaning him back to the Udine side for another season.

Udogie on Europa League glory and ‘dream’ of World Cup

Spurs lifted the Europa League in 2024-25, beating fellow Premier League side Manchester United in the final in Bilbao. When asked about the victory, Udogie said “Yes, it’s my first trophy. Winning something so big is an incredible feeling because it’s every child’s dream when they start playing. When you play football, you want to represent your country, and I’ve always dreamed of playing for the national team – doing it in big stadiums in front of your fans!”

Udogie’s dream of playing for Italy on the biggest stages was brutally delayed due to an injury he suffered in his first full season with Tottenham, missing out on last summer’s European Championships where reigning champions Italy were knocked out by Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

When asked how it felt to miss the EUROs, Udogie said that “It was a real blow because everything was going so well – both with Tottenham and the national team. Of course, you want to play at the Euros, it’s a major tournament and you want to be there with the squad. I had a leg problem, I had surgery and, yeah, it hurts. But I believe everything happens for a reason, so I reacted calmly and just kept going.”

Finally, Udogie was asked what it would mean to play at the World Cup: “It would be more than a dream. As a kid, you watch the TV and think ‘one day I want to be there!’ Now that I have the chance to get there, I think of it as a goal more than a dream. I really want it to happen and I want to experience it to the fullest!”