Baldini on new Italy generation, ignoring Luxembourg and a beloved dog | OneFootball

Silvio Baldini gave an unusual press conference ahead of his debut as interim Italy coach in the friendly against Luxembourg, moved to tears when dedicating the event to his dog.

It kicks off at the Stade de Luxembourg on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

He was promoted from the Under-21 side for the two friendly matches against Luxembourg tomorrow and then in Greece on Sunday evening.

It is only a temporary solution after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in the wake of the World Cup play-off failure, so in the circumstances he decided to call up largely uncapped and young players.

Baldini helps Italy move on from trauma

CESENA, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Silvio Baldini head coach of Italy U21 during the UEFA Under21 EURO Qualifier betweenItaly U21 v Sweden U21 and ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld on October 10, 2025 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“The lads trained really well, they are a wonderful group,” said Baldini in his press conference in Luxembourg.

“They trained with heart, the desire to feel they are protagonists and representing the people of Italy. These lads are the future of Italian football. If they are here today, it’s because they started from the Under-15 sides and worked their way up.

“We want to show that these young guys have matured during the course of that process.”

Baldini confessed he has taken a slightly different approach to his predecessors, also acknowledging the friendly status of a game when Italian football is traumatised by missing the World Cup.

“I didn’t show them any videos of Luxembourg, not out of disrespect to our opponents, but because I don’t want to put too much pressure on my players. I want them to feel free on the pitch. It’s up to them to get a measure of the other team.”

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy reacts during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

Coming up through the Under-21 squad also means this is a different looking Italy side, one that reflects the population that they represent.

“Italy is a country that has had a lot more immigration over the last 20 years, and that is reflected in the team,” noted Baldini.

“It’s true that we have a lot more input from kids with families who come from different places and cultures, but it is wonderful to see the integration in this side. It means they found a place where they belong and feel welcome. We can’t just keep chasing history.

“When I stepped into the training ground, I felt the responsibility of needing to be useful to these lads, as well as representing an entire nation. I want them to feel pride wearing that shirt, but also the courage and freedom to express what they can do without fear.”

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy listens to the national anthem during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

When asked who he would dedicate a victory to as Italy coach, Baldini’s answer was surprising, and saw him end the press conference early as he was about to break down in tears.

“It may seem odd, but it wouldn’t be a person, rather a dog. I know it’s strange, but I was out of coaching for six years, and he never saw me as someone who had to provide results, he just had perfect loyalty.

“It’s crazy, when my father died, he was 86 and it was a natural thing, I didn’t feel like crying as much as I do when thinking of that dog. He was my daughter’s dog, really. A Maremma Sheepdog.

“I’m sorry, I have to stop, because it’s getting pathetic, crying like this. In a way I am glad that I told you all, but on the other hand I know that in the world of football there will be denigration and mockery, and that would bring out a furious side of me.”