Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has made it clear that he sees no difference between friendly games and competitive matches at the international level. He highlighted the significance of wearing the Azzurri jersey, stating, “When you represent the Nazionale, you carry the honour and pride of our country, our culture, and our roots,” during a recent press conference.
The Italian U21 team has successfully qualified for the European Under-21 Championship, set to take place next summer. They will also engage in two notable friendly matches, facing France on November 13, and Belgium on November 16.
Baldini Focus on Italy Youth
CESENA, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Silvio Baldini head coach of Italy U21 during the UEFA Under21 EURO Qualifier between Italy U21 v Sweden U21 and ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld on October 10, 2025 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Baldini reiterated that all games should be approached with seriousness, noting, “We cannot think that we are playing friendly matches. We need to give our best every time, as if it was an official competitive game.”
Previously, Baldini served as the interim coach for the senior Italy team following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after a World Cup play-off loss, but he has now returned to lead the Under-21 squad.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Baldini stressed the importance of incorporating youth into the squad, expressing enthusiasm for his role. He also acknowledged the media’s emphasis on the need for reforms in Italian football, noting the positive developments at club levels, particularly mentioning coaches Cristian Chivu at Inter and Cesc Fabregas at Como. He regards them as valuable for football, stating they know how to mentor players and are willing to utilize young talent.
“This is a spell where coaches like this give a big contribution to the development of Italian football, so we are fortunate they are working here in Serie A. Now I hope that others follow their example,” Baldini remarked, underlining his commitment to fostering youth talent.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy listens to the national anthem during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Several talents from the Italy Under-21 team have received calls to join the senior squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium. Among the promoted players are Milan forward Alphadjo Cisse, Como’s Mattia Liberali, Parma striker Simone Lontani, and Crystal Palace defender Honest Ahanor, along with Brentford player Michael Kayode and Sporting midfielder Issa Doumbia.
