A new chapter is set to unfold for the Italy Under-21 national football team as coach Silvio Baldini prepares for his inaugural competitive fixture. The air in La Spezia is thick with anticipation, not just for the upcoming UEFA European Championship qualifier against Montenegro, but for the complex decisions Baldini must navigate as he takes the reins of the Azzurrini.
The Burden of Riches: A Coach`s “Most Difficult Thing”
In a refreshing display of candor, Baldini articulated his primary challenge, and it`s not the tactical genius of his Montenegrin counterpart or the notoriously fickle nature of football itself. Instead, it`s a dilemma many a manager would, perhaps secretly, envy: “The most difficult thing will be choosing who to leave out.”
“These are the best part of our football movement and were very eager to learn and understand over the first few days of training,” Baldini remarked, highlighting the sheer depth of talent at his disposal. “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.”
This isn`t a complaint; it`s a testament to the burgeoning talent within Italian youth football. Baldini, facing the pleasant predicament of an overflowing reservoir of potential, must nonetheless tell four deserving young men that their debut will be deferred. It`s the kind of “problem” that truly defines the competitive landscape of elite youth development – where every selection is an endorsement, and every omission, a temporary heartache.
The First Test: Montenegro and Beyond
The journey begins on Friday at 17:15 UK time (16:15 GMT) at the Stadio Alberto Picco. Montenegro stands as the first hurdle in a group that also includes Armenia, North Macedonia, Poland, and Sweden. Baldini, despite his “selection headache,” is acutely aware of the tactical demands of the opener.
“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,” he warned. It`s a classic coaching mantra: superiority on paper doesn`t win matches; discipline and respect for the opponent do. “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.”
Following the home fixture, the Azzurrini will travel to face North Macedonia on Tuesday, September 9, kicking off at 16:15 UK time (15:15 GMT).
Navigating the Squad Dynamics
The volatile nature of youth football means squads are rarely static. Baldini`s initial call-up saw some adjustments even before a ball was kicked. Lecce striker Francesco Camarda had to withdraw due to head trauma, a timely reminder of the physical toll of the game. His place was filled by Genoa`s Jeff Ekhator, marking a debut call-up for the young forward. Additionally, Francesco Pio Esposito received a promotion, joining the senior national squad, highlighting the U21 team`s crucial role as a feeder system for the very top level.
Probable Italy Under-21 Team (vs. Montenegro):
- Goalkeeper: Mascardi
- Defenders: Kayode, Comuzzo, Marianucci, Palestra
- Midfielders: Ndour, Pisilli, Lipani
- Attacking Midfielders: Koleosho, Pafundi
- Striker: Raimondo
- Formation: 4-3-2-1
As the referee`s whistle signals the start of Baldini`s tenure, all eyes will be on the Azzurrini. This isn`t just about three points; it`s about setting a tone, fostering talent, and laying the groundwork for the future of Italian football, all while the new maestro grapples with the `difficult` task of managing an embarrassment of riches.
