Silvio Baldini, promoted from Italy's under-21 team, announced a 24-man squad dominated by young, mostly uncapped players on May 29 as part of a youth-focused strategy for the senior national team [1, 2]. Baldini took over after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in March following Italy’s World Cup qualifying playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina [1, 2].
Baldini criticized Serie A clubs for hindering the development of domestic talent, accusing them of prioritizing older, established players over academy graduates. "Italian football is in the hands of directors who think about their own interests and not about the growth of the game," Baldini said. [2] He questioned the value of signing veterans, highlighting the example of a 39-year-old player when younger players are available: "Where is the advantage in signing a 39-year-old player instead of finding one in the academy? Youngsters bring enthusiasm, rhythm, speed. The older players tend to manage their efforts and attack less," he added. [2]
Baldini stressed that the main issue lies with clubs giving youth players opportunities rather than the national federation. "At youth level, the national teams have always done well, but the problem is always the jump to the senior team. We need to let them play, but it's not a problem for the federation, it's a problem for the clubs," he said. [2]
He expressed optimism about the squad's potential, stating, "I've seen a lot of fans cheering because they've seen a change, but I'm not doing it to show off. The message is clear: Italian football wants to see change. I'm convinced that the boys will do very well." [2]
Italy’s next matches are friendlies against Luxembourg on June 3 and Greece on June 7, where Baldini’s young squad will debut on the international stage [1, 2].