Monza defender Adam Bakoune chooses Morocco over Italy as Hakimi competition grows

Adam Bakoune has switched his international allegiance from Italy to Morocco after being included in the Atlas Lions’ latest Under-23 squad.

The 20-year-old Monza right-back, who previously represented Italy at youth level, has been selected for two friendly matches against Mali and Tanzania. His decision adds another promising option to a position where the battle to eventually succeed Achraf Hakimi is already intense.

Bakoune was born in Poland to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother. Until now, his international career had been with Italy’s youth teams, making his inclusion in Morocco’s Under-23 group a clear change of sporting allegiance.

The defender offers a distinctive profile. He can play at right-back or operate further forward on the flank, while his 1.92m height gives him an unusual physical presence for an attack-minded wide player.

He has also begun to make progress at club level. After making his Serie A debut, Bakoune had featured in four matches for Monza this season, including three league appearances when his international future began to take shape. He is not yet an established starter, but his versatility and potential have attracted attention.

However, it would be premature to describe him as Hakimi’s immediate understudy. Morocco’s right-back position is already heavily contested, despite Bakoune’s decision to leave Italy and join the national set-up.

Noussair Mazraoui, 28, remains an established option behind Hakimi. Although he is often used on the left by the Atlas Lions, Mazraoui naturally plays on the right for his club.

Other younger players are also pushing for opportunities. Zakaria El Ouahdi, 24, has become part of the senior team’s rotation after a long wait, while Omar El Hilali, 23, is hoping to earn more chances after establishing himself in La Liga.

Bakoune’s age and ability to cover more than one position give him time and several possible routes towards the senior side. For now, his Morocco career will begin with the Under-23s rather than the A team.

His selection is another indication of the appeal of Morocco’s current international project to young players from the diaspora. The same Under-23 squad includes Kays Barry, a former Belgium Under-19 international and the son of Ivory Coast great Copa Barry, as well as Amir Bouhamdi, another highly regarded prospect attracting attention abroad.

Bakoune’s first steps with Morocco will therefore come some distance from Hakimi’s position in the senior team. Given the number of players competing ahead of him, reaching that role could prove just as demanding as the challenge he would have faced had he remained with Italy.