U21 official line-ups: Italy vs. Montenegro | OneFootball

New coach Silvio Baldini has chosen his first Italy starting XI for the European Under-21 qualifier against Montenegro, including Cher Ndour, Niccolò Pisilli and Burnley’s Luca Koleosho.

It kicks off at the Stadio Picco in La Spezia at 17.15 UK time (16.15 GMT).

The Azzurrini begin a new era this evening, as it is the opening match in their qualifying campaign for the European Under-21 Championships.

It is also the first game in charge for new coach Baldini, who adopts a four-man defence.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Luca Koleosho of Burnley United arrives at the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Leeds United FC at Turf Moor on January 27, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Italy are in Group E along with Montenegro, Sweden, Poland, North Macedonia and Armenia.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Albania and Serbia in the summer of 2027.

Francesco Camarda was originally in the team, but forced to withdraw after a head injury while playing for Lecce, while Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito was promoted to the senior squad.

Antonio Raimondo is therefore chosen as the centre-forward, with support from Koleosho, Pisilli, Fiorentina midfielder Ndour, and captain Luca Lipani.

Italy vs. Montenegro official line-ups

Italy U21: Mascardi; Palestra, Marianucci, Chiarodia, Idrissi; Pisilli, Lipani, Ndour; Fini, Raimondo, Koleosho

Montenegro U21: Domazetovic; Vukovic, Malentijevic, Dakic, M Perovic; Vukanic, Miranovic; Knezevic, Perisic, Dukanovic; A Kostic

Ref: Wolfensberger (SUI)