Italy’s Baldini: Under-21s target Euros glory and Olympic gold | OneFootball

Silvio Baldini begins his adventure on the Italy Under-21 bench with high ambitions and words that leave no room for doubt: the goal is to compete for the top achievements, from the European Championship in the category to the Olympic tournament.

Italy, Baldini launches the Under-21: “We aim to win the European Championship and Olympic gold”

From the training camp in Tirrenia, where the Azzurrini are preparing for the qualifying matches against Montenegro and North Macedonia, the new head coach has outlined a clear technical and mental project.

A start full of emotion and responsibility

Baldini, in his first press conference, expressed his excitement for the role:

“I didn’t expect a call from the National Team at my age. It’s a wonderful surprise that has filled me with joy. When I hear the anthem in La Spezia, I will sing it with my heart, because it represents the history of those who did everything to make Italy a free and democratic country.”

Despite some key absences (Camarda, Comuzzo, and Kayode), the coach has called up new resources such as Jeff Ekhator (Genoa) and Gabriele Guarino (Empoli) to strengthen the group.

The objectives: concreteness and ambition

The coach’s message is clear: talent and heart must go hand in hand.

“We can win a European Championship and Olympic gold, but responsibility is needed. Talent alone is not enough: you have to play with heart and understand that football is the most beautiful job in the world, not for the earnings but for the chance to express yourself and give emotions.”

Baldini is not afraid of criticism for his ambitious statements: “I will never give up on my dreams and goals, even in the face of criticism.”

Game philosophy: entertainment and concreteness

The new coach prefers offensive football, capable of exciting fans:

Preferred formations: 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, considered the most attacking and able to cover the field with balance.

Style of play: seeking depth, verticality, and continuous attacks on goal.

“Those who love football want to see goals, not thirty passes without finishing. I want a team that excites.”

Relationship with the senior National Team

Baldini also spoke about Rino Gattuso, current head coach of the senior National Team:

“He is a wonderful person, simple, direct, and respectful. Among our goals is also to provide talents ready for his team.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.