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Italy Win 1-0 in Luxembourg as 15 Players Make Senior Debuts

The friendly is a youth-focused trial under interim coach Silvio Baldini that signals a wider rebuild before a permanent appointment after FIGC elections.

Overview

  • Italy beat Luxembourg 1-0 on Wednesday at the Stade de Luxembourg with Francesco Pio Esposito heading the only goal.
  • Interim coach Silvio Baldini used the match to blood talent, giving 15 players their first senior caps and eight starters their debuts.
  • Marco Palestra did not start because of a slight adductor problem and Costantino Favasuli filled in at right-back.
  • The match is the first of two June friendlies as Baldini leads a temporary setup while the FIGC is expected to wait until its June 22 elections to appoint a permanent coach and Italy travel to Greece on June 7 for the next test.
  • These games count toward FIFA rankings and offer young players a fast track to the senior team as Italy begins a generational rebuild after missing the World Cup.