Why Italy Under 21 team trained wearing eyepatches | OneFootball

Italy Under-21 players weren’t quite sure how to react when coach Silvio Baldini made them train wearing an eyepatch, but there is method to the madness.

The Azzurrini will be back in action on Friday against Sweden, then host Armenia next Tuesday evening, as they continue the qualification process for the European Under-21 Championship.

Baldini opened his era with a 2-1 victory over Montenegro and 1-0 win away to North Macedonia.

Italy Under-21 side keeping one eye open

Tommaso Martinelli wears an eyepatch during Italy Under-21 training session (@skysport)

The coach raised eyebrows when ordering his players to train and take part in a game between ranks while wearing eyepatches.

It is not an entirely new technique, as he has used this before when he was the coach of Pescara, Catania and Carrarese.

Playing with one eye covered comes from the world of boxing and it is supposed to improve concentration, co-ordination, and reduce the perception of fatigue.

Whether it works is another matter, but the 67-year-old at least gave the youngsters the opportunity to make pirate impersonations.