1982 World Cup winner Giancarlo Antognoni will function Italy’s delegation chief for the scheduled friendlies arising at the start of June, and he has clarified just a few issues concerning the youthful Azzurri aspect that’s set to take to the sphere in just a few weeks’ time: ‘It gained’t be the U21 aspect’.
A younger Italy aspect for June friendlies, however not simply the U21 squad
Italy won’t be collaborating within the 2026 World Cup in North America, however nonetheless have friendlies away in opposition to Luxembourg and Greece within the calendar for June 3 and June 7 respectively.
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It will likely be a makeshift Italy set-up on and off the pitch: U21s coach Silvio Baldini can be in cost following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso after the World Cup play-off remaining defeat in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He can be joined by Antognoni, who has been referred to as in to quickly substitute , who additionally left the Italy set-up after lacking out on a World Cup spot.
And, it’s anticipated that that takes half within the June friendlies, that includes a number of of the gamers Baldini is aware of nicely from his time in control of the U21 squad.
There had been options that Italy may search to subject a staff made up completely of representatives from the U21 squad, which . Antognoni has since clarified that this isn’t the case, though he has confirmed that it is going to be a youthful, however sturdy Azzurri aspect nonetheless.
“I’ve examine some controversy in Greece in relation to the truth that some skilled gamers gained’t be there. Actually, I don’t perceive it,” Antognoni stated in an interview on the .
EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: of U21 celebrates after scoring the staff’s third purpose with and Luca Kaleosho throughout the UEFA Below 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
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“It’s not a scarcity of respect for our opponents. It gained’t be the U21 staff that takes to the pitch, however a younger and robust Italy aspect. A lot of gifted gamers will play, some who’re already everlasting elements of the nationwide staff squad, and different guys that Silvio Baldini is aware of very nicely having coached them with nice outcomes with the U21s over the past 9 months.
“I’m satisfied that plenty of them can be part of the core of the nationwide staff within the close to future.
Antognoni says that he hopes plenty of the gamers who will play within the June friendlies can be a part of the aspect aiming to participate within the 2030 World Cup.
“However I’m additionally satisfied that plenty of these guys can be referred to as up as early as September, when Italy begins its subsequent journey within the Nations League.
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“We’re speaking about gamers who’ve already had main roles in Serie A, the Premier League, the Bundesliga and in European competitions.”
Among the many Italy U21s with top-flight expertise are Michael Kayode (Brentford), (), (), (), Filippo Mane (), () (Fiorentina), (), () and (Borussia Dortmund).
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 08: Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his staff’s third purpose throughout the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and at Sign Iduna Park on Could 08, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Picture by Leon Kügeler/Getty Pictures)
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Antognoni ended his interview with a remaining pledge to the Italy supporters: “I can solely say that they are going to be pleased with these guys. Our future begins now.
“And, let me say just a few phrases about Silvio Baldini. He’s an ideal coach and a correct particular person. He’s deserved the chance to sit down within the dugout of a senior nationwide staff and I’m satisfied that he’s the correct man to guide these kids into an expertise they are going to always remember.”