Silvio Baldini, the interim head coach of the Italian national team, has explained his decision to include Gianluigi Donnarumma and Francesco Pio Esposito in the youthful squad for the upcoming June international friendlies. He also indicated that both players might be considered for Italy’s Olympic squad in 2028, provided the team qualifies.
Baldini was appointed as the temporary head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation shortly after Italy’s World Cup playoff final loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in late March. His immediate task is to lead the national team in two non-decisive friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece at the start of June. For these games, he has opted to select a squad predominantly composed of young players he knows well from his usual role managing the U21 team.
Out of the 24 players chosen by Baldini, only Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolò Pisilli, and Esposito have previously earned caps for the senior Italy side.
Baldini’s Remarks on Donnarumma and Esposito and Potential Olympic Inclusion
It was widely reported that Donnarumma had offered his availability for the June friendlies, despite the disappointment of missing out on a World Cup spot in March. Esposito’s inclusion came as a somewhat greater surprise, given his established status as a senior player for both Inter and Italy following an impressive breakthrough season in 2025-26.
During his press conference on Friday, Baldini addressed the inclusion of both players and hinted at the possibility of them being selected for the 2028 Olympics if Italy secures a spot in the tournament.
“I’ve called two senior-level players like Donnarumma and Pio Esposito into the group because I see the possibility of having these players, also ahead of the Olympics. The two of them fall under this possibility,” Baldini stated on Friday.
The next Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in the United States in the summer of 2028. Three European nations will participate in the football tournament, with qualification determined by the final standings of the 2027 U21 European Championship.
Since 1996, Olympic football teams have been permitted to select their standard U23 squads, with the option to include three overage players. This rule is why Baldini suggested that Donnarumma and Esposito could potentially be considered for Olympic selection.
Baldini also confirmed that Donnarumma was the sole member of Italy’s regular senior squad who voluntarily made himself available for these upcoming June friendlies.
“Only Donnarumma contacted me giving me his availability. The message is clear: Italian football wants to see change. I’m convinced that the boys will do very well. We’ve seen that it’s a cohesive group with the U21s and there is ample room for improvement,” he added.
“In addition, we also have the inclusion of two great players in Donnarumma and Pio Esposito.”
When asked if he was disappointed that Donnarumma was the only Italy player to reach out to him, Baldini responded, “No, I think the wound was still too big after Bosnia. Even if they had called me, I would have limited the call-ups to those two (Donnarumma and Esposito), with a view to my future work. Sometimes it’s better to sit back and not participate.”
English Translation and Rewording:
Silvio Baldini, the interim coach of the Italian national team, has brought Gianluigi Donnarumma and Francesco Pio Esposito into his young squad for the forthcoming June international friendlies. He has indicated that these two players could potentially be part of Italy’s Olympic team in 2028, should the nation qualify.
Baldini took over as interim head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure immediately after Italy’s defeat in the World Cup playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina in late March. His current responsibility is to guide the Italian team through two inconsequential friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece in early June. For these fixtures, he has chosen to select a squad almost entirely comprised of young talent he is familiar with from his regular position managing the U21 side.
Of the 24 players selected by Baldini, only Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolò Pisilli, and Esposito have prior experience playing for the senior Italian national team.
Baldini Discusses Donnarumma and Esposito and Their Potential Olympic Future
Reports suggested that Donnarumma had made himself available for the June friendlies, despite the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup in March. Esposito’s inclusion was somewhat more unexpected, considering he is now firmly established as a senior player for both Inter and Italy, having had a remarkable breakthrough season in 2025-26.
During his press conference on Friday, Baldini commented on the inclusion of both players and hinted at the possibility of them being called up for the 2028 Olympics, contingent on Italy’s qualification.
“I’ve included two senior players, Donnarumma and Pio Esposito, because I foresee them being available for the Olympics as well. Both players are candidates for this,” Baldini stated.
The upcoming Olympic Games are set to take place in the United States in the summer of 2028. The football tournament will feature three European nations, whose spots will be determined by the final rankings of the 2027 U21 European Championship.
Since 1996, teams participating in the Olympics have been allowed to select their standard U23 squads, with the addition of three overage players. This provision is why Baldini believes Donnarumma and Esposito could be considered for Olympic selection.
Baldini further confirmed that Donnarumma was the only member of Italy’s regular senior squad who proactively offered his availability for the upcoming June friendlies.
“Donnarumma was the only one to contact me and offer his availability. The message is clear: Italian football is looking for change. I am confident the players will perform well. We’ve seen a cohesive group with the U21s, and there’s significant potential for growth,” he remarked.
“Furthermore, we have the inclusion of two excellent players in Donnarumma and Pio Esposito.”
When questioned about whether he was disappointed that Donnarumma was the sole Italy player to reach out, Baldini replied, “No, I believe the disappointment from the Bosnia match was still too raw. Even if others had contacted me, I would have limited the call-ups to these two (Donnarumma and Esposito) with my future plans in mind. Sometimes, it’s better to stand back and observe.”