Overview
- Italy secured back-to-back 1-0 friendly wins under Silvio Baldini, following a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg midweek and a 1-0 win in Heraklion on Sunday driven by Francesco Pio Esposito.
- Baldini fast-tracked talent by handing numerous senior debuts across the two matches, including 15 debutants against Luxembourg and several more starts in Greece, using the games as live trials for the next generation.
- The interim coach imposed strict camp routines and unconventional drills, such as eye-patch training filmed by the national team, aiming to build discipline, a common methodology and player freedom.
- Baldini said he is not seeking the permanent job, praised Antonio Conte as a strong candidate, and the FIGC has confirmed it will delay appointing a new head coach until after its presidential election on June 22.
- The short-term experiment highlighted both promise and risks for young players — Esposito’s scoring form and several strong performances contrasted with injuries and Luca Reggiani’s early red card — and it strengthens the pathway from U21 to the senior team ahead of future U21 and Olympic cycles.