Overview

• Silvio Baldini was appointed head coach of Italy’s Under-21 team on July 17 after guiding Pescara to Serie B promotion.
• Andrea Barzagli returns as vice coach to lend his World Cup and youth-team experience to the new setup.
• Italy’s U21 side opens Euro 2027 qualifying on September 5 in Spezia against Montenegro, with the group stage also deciding Olympic berths.
• FIGC president Gabriele Gravina stated that securing a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is the primary objective of Baldini’s tenure.
• The move is part of a broader FIGC strategy led by Maurizio Viscidi and overseen by Gianluigi Buffon to cement national identity and strengthen the youth pipeline.