Italy U21: Baldini hails ‘success’ of Palestra and Pisilli promotion | OneFootball

Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini prepares for games against North Macedonia and Sweden, hailing the ‘success’ of Marco Palestra and Niccolò Pisilli graduating to the senior squad.

The Azzurrini are back in action after a four-month hiatus, ready to continue the qualifying campaign for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.

They will host North Macedonia at the Stadio Castellani in Empoli on Thursday and then visit Sweden at the Boras Arena on Tuesday March 31.

Players who are not involved in this training camp are Cagliari full-back Palestra and Roma midfielder Pisilli, who have been called up by Gennaro Gattuso for the World Cup play-offs.

Baldini has faith in Italy future

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)

“It is a success for us that they have been promoted to the senior squad, because it means we contributed to their growth process,” said coach Baldini in his press conference.

“Few would’ve expected in September 2025 that these two players would be ready for the play-offs. It makes us proud, as it shows we are on the right track.”

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Marco Palestra of Italy in action 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)

Italy will host Northern Ireland on Thursday in the semi-final, then if victorious will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot at the World Cup.

“I spoke to Gattuso and Gigi Buffon over the last few days, they are accustomed to this kind of stress, having played in the biggest tournaments. They know there is a big responsibility on their shoulders, but we are all behind them and I don’t think there’s anyone better with which to achieve qualification,” added Baldini.

“I am super convinced that Italy will be at the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, the Under-21 side has brought in Honest Ahanor after he impressed with Atalanta, and Lazio’s new goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, fresh from saving a penalty in only his third Serie A appearance.

“Players like Lipani, Bartesaghi and Venturino have had minutes in Serie A, showing that they can have their say in the football that really matters.

“We have a strong group and mustn’t lose our positive energy. We mustn’t forget our main job is to get as many players as possible promoted to the senior Italy squad.”

Italy Under-21 squad

Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Avellino), Edoardo Motta (Lazio), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone)

Defenders: Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Gabriele Calvani (Frosinone), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia M’gladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Costantino Favasuli (Catanzaro), Gabriele Guarino (Empoli), Mattia Mannini (Juve Stabia); Brando Moruzzi (Empoli)

Midfielders: Tommaso Berti (Cesena), Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Juventus), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina), Lorenzo Venturino (Roma)

Forwards: Alessio Cacciamani (Juve Stabia), Luigi Cherubini (Sampdoria), Jeff Ekhator (Genoa), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC), Antonio Raimondo (Frosinone)