Silvio Baldini leads Italy Under-21 ahead of Euro 2027 qualifiers

Italy's Under-21 national football team has begun preparations for decisive 2027 European Championship qualifying matches. Head coach Silvio Baldini, returning to the U21 role after a brief stint with the senior national team, expressed pride in the squad and emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixtures against Armenia on October 1 and Poland on October 5.

Italy currently sits in second place in Group E, three points behind leaders Poland. A victory in these matches could secure direct qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted by Albania and Serbia. Baldini noted a ‘direct link’ between the U21 squad and Roberto Mancini’s senior team, suggesting that several players may be called up to the senior side in the near future.

The squad includes several players with recent Serie B experience, such as Antonio Raimondo, Costantino Favasuli, and Giacomo Faticanti. Additionally, Cremonese players Tommaso Berti and Dachi Lordkipanidze have been called up to the U21 group, while Fellipe Jack has been selected for the Italy U20 squad.