Italy U21: Baldini on most difficult thing about debut

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Silvio Baldini during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Silvio Baldini is ready to make his debut on the Italy Under-21 bench with a European qualifier against Montenegro. ‘The most difficult thing will be choosing who to leave out.’

The Azzurrini begin their new era on Friday at 17.15 UK time (16.15 GMT) at the Stadio Alberto Picco in La Spezia.

They are in a group with Armenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland and Sweden.

First international role for Baldini“These are the best part of our football movement and were very eager to learn and understand over the first few days of training,” said Baldini in his press conference.

“In my view, they are all first choice players, especially as now you no longer need 11 players for a game, but 16. Whoever I play tomorrow, we will also have a second match to make changes and ensure everyone gets a chance to shine.

“The most difficult thing will be choosing who to leave out, as I must send four to the stands.”

SAN MARINO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Giuseppe Ambrosino of Italy U21 during the UEFA Under21 Euro Qualifier match between San Marino U21 and Italy U21 at Serravalle on November 16, 2023 in San Marino, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)The second Italy fixture will be away to North Macedonia on Tuesday September 9, kicking off at 16.15 UK time (15.15 GMT).

“Montenegro are a very physical team who we absolutely must not underestimate, even if at this stage we are certainly superior on a technical level,” continued Baldini.

“It is precisely when you think that you are superior that you risk embarrassing setbacks. We will play our game, and prepared for them to be set out in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but we’ll be ready even if they use a different system.”

The squad called up by Baldini had to undergo changes, as Lecce striker Francesco Camarda pulled out after suffering head trauma while playing for his club.

He was replaced in the group by debutant Jeff Ekhator of Genoa, while Francesco Pio Esposito was promoted to the senior squad.

Probable Italy Under-21 team

Italy (4-3-2-1): Mascardi; Kayode, Comuzzo, Marianucci, Palestra; Ndour, Pisilli, Lipani; Koleosho, Pafundi; Raimondo

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