Silvio Baldini, stepping in as the interim head coach for the Italian national team following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation, has expressed his confidence in a squad brimming with young talent for the upcoming June friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg. He also shared his thoughts on the permanent head coach position and the broader state of Italian football.
Baldini, who has predominantly worked with young players in his coaching career, including with the U21s, has selected a squad largely comprised of players he knows well. Out of the 24 selected, only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolo Pisilli, and Francesco Pio Esposito have previous senior international caps.
During a press conference, Baldini elaborated on his choices, emphasizing the importance of playing for pride, the necessary changes at the club level to support the national team, and his perspective on who should lead the team long-term.
Baldini on His Unexpected Call-Up and the State of Italian Football
“To coach the Italy national team, you need a specific CV, which I don’t possess,” Baldini admitted. “While I’ve seen fans cheer for change, my intention isn’t to show off. My opportunity arose due to Gattuso’s resignation. I believe in meritocracy, not luck. I’m here now, and these two matches, I hope, will be beneficial.”
He expressed his disapproval of clubs appointing their Primavera (youth team) coaches, stating, “I don’t agree with taking advantage of someone else’s misfortune to get into the game.”
Baldini explained the inclusion of senior players like Donnarumma and Pio Esposito as a potential opportunity for future endeavors, including the Olympics. He noted that Donnarumma was the only senior player to offer his availability after Italy’s World Cup qualification failure and Gattuso’s departure. “The message is clear: Italian football wants to see change,” Baldini remarked. “I’m convinced the boys will perform well. They form a cohesive group, and there’s significant room for improvement, especially with the addition of Donnarumma and Pio Esposito.”
When asked about his feelings regarding Donnarumma being the sole senior player to reach out, Baldini replied, “No, I think the wound was still too deep after the match against Bosnia. Even if they had called me, I would have limited call-ups to these two with my future work in mind. Sometimes it’s better to observe and not participate.”
On the broader issues facing Italian football, Baldini stated, “Italian football is in the hands of directors who prioritize their own interests over the growth of the game. The focus is on succeeding in the transfer market with older players, not nurturing younger talent. These are things I’ve always said. Some call them ‘swindlers,’ and they often hold the reins of the game. Without serious leadership, this problem will persist.”
Regarding the reluctance to give young players opportunities, Baldini argued, “Experience comes from playing. Limited game time keeps their value low. While youth national teams perform well, the leap to the senior team is always the challenge. We need to let them play; this is a problem for clubs, not just the federation.
“What is the advantage of signing a 39-year-old player instead of developing one from the academy? As long as there are no serious individuals at the helm of Italian clubs, this will remain an issue. This also explains why we play slower on the pitch. Youngsters bring enthusiasm, rhythm, and speed. Older players tend to manage their energy and attack less. Consider PSG or Aston Villa.”
Baldini on Italy’s Upcoming Friendlies
“These two matches will be played with pride,” Baldini asserted. “There are no such things as friendlies in the national team. You must test yourself against other nations. Even without stakes, there is still honor to play for. You must have pride.
“This is an unexpected bonus for me. Fate has intervened, and that’s why I find myself here.”
When asked about the strengths of the current Italy squad, he said, “They are very united and enjoy each other’s company. They are social, and no one isolates themselves. Some players have told me they would sign for a club for life if they could find the same joy they have with the U21s.
“Camarda joined us for training camp before the North Macedonia match, even though he was injured, just to be with us. Mane was another, but Borussia Dortmund wouldn’t release him.
“This indicates a healthy group and that the youngsters want to be supported. If we have this kind of foundation, we cannot afford to make mistakes, as this is our future.”
On who should be the permanent head coach, Baldini stated, “I would choose a coach with a strong resume, but naming Guardiola or Fabregas is pointless. We have many good coaches in Italy. I hope that whoever comes in will find me to be a supportive figure, not an obstacle.”
Baldini’s advice to his players for the June friendlies was: “Be yourselves, play with enthusiasm, and believe you are the strongest. Life can be surprising, and you cannot miss this opportunity. You must demonstrate your skills, but we must act as a team. Help your teammates when they are struggling.”
He commented on the fact that many of his young Italy players are based abroad, with three from Borussia Dortmund alone: “They experience different leagues and cultures. What they all share is a love for what they do. They are pure, not distracted by money or success.”
Reflecting on his own feelings about this rare opportunity, Baldini shared, “The feeling has been beautiful. The anticipation was the best part because it was something I never imagined. I try to instill my principles and respect in the team. I establish rules and expect them to be followed. There are no fines; I find that reductive. If you make a mistake, you go home.
“Young players know I am credible, transparent, and unfiltered. I’ve explained that I’m not here to dictate but to help them understand that without rules, there are no principles, and without principles, there is no team.
“You must have rules: regarding nutrition, sleep, training, and recovery. In general, dedicating everything to your body to be in the best condition for games, allowing you to perform at your peak.”
Baldini Insists Italy’s Young Squad is Ready to Make Its Mark
When asked which players in the current squad are ready for regular senior team call-ups, Baldini replied, “If I’ve called them up, I’m convinced they can win these two games with freedom and without pressure. I know they possess great technical qualities.”
Responding to reports of the Greek federation’s displeasure at Italy naming a youthful squad, Baldini stated, “I won’t respond to the Greek coach; he can say what he wants. That’s his opinion. It amazes me that in the country where democracy was born, Greece, people are more concerned with what others do.”
Acknowledging the risk of a drop in FIFA rankings if Italy falters in the upcoming matches, Baldini said, “There is that risk, but no one can predict what will happen. However, what can I do? I am not afraid of these games. I am sure the boys can win them, and I don’t see a problem.
“If I approach this with the idea of losing, I have no enthusiasm, fail to inspire confidence, and the boys will sense that.”