Adam Bakouni chooses Morocco over Italy as competition grows to succeed Achraf Hakimi

Adam Bakouni has opted to represent Morocco at international level, ending his association with Italy’s youth teams and opening a new chapter with the Atlas Lions.

The 20-year-old right-back, who plays for Italian club Monza, has been named in Morocco’s Under-23 squad for friendly matches against Mali and Tanzania. His selection marks the beginning of his move away from the Italian set-up, where he had previously represented the country at youth level.

Bakouni’s decision comes in a position where Morocco already has strong competition. Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi remains the established first choice at right-back, while several other players are seeking to challenge for a place closer to one of the national team’s leading players.

Bakouni switches international allegiance

Born in Poland to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, Bakouni had chosen to play for Italy during the early stages of his career. He has now decided to change direction and join Morocco’s international programme.

The defender stands 1.92 metres tall and can operate both as a conventional right-back and further forward on the wing. His height is unusual for a position that often places considerable emphasis on pace and attacking movement.

Bakouni has also begun to feature for Monza’s first team. He made his Serie A debut this season and had played in several matches for the club, including three league appearances when his international decision began to become clear.

He has not yet established himself as a regular starter, but his versatility, physical attributes and potential for development make him a player to monitor as he gains experience.

Established options remain ahead of him

It would nevertheless be premature to describe Bakouni as Hakimi’s expected successor. The 27-year-old remains Morocco’s leading option, while Bakouni has moved from a highly competitive environment in Italy into another crowded battle for places with the national team.

Noussair Mazraoui, 28, remains one of the principal alternatives. Although he has frequently been used at left-back by Morocco, he naturally plays on the right for his club and remains an experienced option in that position.

Younger players are also pushing for greater involvement. Zakaria El Ouahdi, 24, has entered the senior team’s plans after a long wait for his opportunity, while 23-year-old Omar El Hilali has established himself in Spanish football and is also seeking more chances with Morocco.

Bakouni’s age and ability to play in more than one position give him time to develop and several possible routes towards a greater role in the national team.

His choice is also another example of Morocco’s appeal to young players from the diaspora who are eligible to represent more than one country. Morocco’s Under-23 squad includes other players with international experience elsewhere, including Kais Bari, a former Belgium Under-19 international and the son of Ivory Coast football great Copa Barry, and Amir Bouhamdi, another prospect attracting attention outside Morocco.