Barzagli on new Italy U21 role, Baldini and young players | OneFootball

Former Italy and Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli explains why he joined Silvio Baldini’s Italy U21 staff this summer and asks a question to young players: ‘Do you have that desire to assert yourself?’

Barzagli has just begun a new career path as Baldini’s assistant with Italy U21 and spoke to Gazzetta about the first weeks of work.

“It’s very engaging because you get caught up in the match, and the emotional side takes over. You try to stay calm and rational, but it’s not easy,” Barzagli said.

Barzagli explains new U21 Italy role

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Andrea Barzagli attends the Italian Football Federation ‘Panchina D’Oro’ Awards Ceremony at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 20, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“For me, it’s all new because it’s a situation you may know as a player, but as a coach, it’s entirely different.”

The former defender, a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, went on to explain how he got involved in the project: “A call from the federation. I was asked if I wanted to start a path, and I felt like giving it a try. Since I had no experience, I needed to join a staff.

“I had been away for a few years, and I wanted to test myself because it’s not a given that you know how to become a coach,” Barzagli continued.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own because I don’t yet have the skills. And this role, for now, in these first few days, is very enjoyable and intense.”

The Azzurrini secured a 2-1 win over Montenegro U21 in the Euro U21 qualifiers last week. What sort of coach is Baldini?

Barzagli describes Italy U21 coach Baldini

Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini (@azzurri)

“Very modern in his ideas of football,” Barzagli replied.

“He wants an aggressive, forward-playing game. I’m listening to him a lot, especially for the relationship he has with the boys. With them, you need to have contact, sometimes give them a pat on the back, sometimes scold them, and sometimes encourage them. Baldini tells them that it’s up to them. It doesn’t depend on all the noise around. Complaints should be left to the ‘established’ players, like I did at the end of my career. At the beginning, you take the hits and fight on your own.”

Several over-30 stars joined Serie A clubs this summer. Is that a bad sign for young players? Barzagli doesn’t necessarily see it this way.

“It doesn’t surprise me. At a club, there can be dynamics where you need players who strengthen the mentality, who provide reassurance,” the ex-defender noted.

“What surprises me, instead, is the fact that so many young players don’t play. But that’s a question they should be asked: Do you have that desire to assert yourself?”