Italy U21, Baldini names 26 players for France and Belgium friendlies
The U21 coach fields three debutants ahead of Euro 2027. International friendlies in Laval and Livorno with Rai coverage.
Silvio Baldini has announced the squad of twenty-six players called up for Italy's U21 friendly matches in November. Following qualification to the final phase of Euro 2027 in Albania and Serbia, the Azzurrini return to action for assessment and preparation. The first challenge comes in Laval against France on 13 November at 18:30, followed by the home fixture in Livorno against Belgium on 16 November at 18:15 at the "Picchi" stadium. Both matches will be broadcast on Rai 2.
Three new faces have been brought into the squad. Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina, Monza defender Eddy Kouadio and Borussia Dortmund forward Samuele Inacio join the group after receiving senior national team call-ups in October. Filippo Mane, Lorenzo Amatucci, Alessio Cacciamani, Jeff Ekhator and Dominic Vavassori return to the setup, while several players remain unavailable due to senior squad commitments under coach Mancini. The gathering begins Sunday at the Tirrenia training centre.
Historically, the record against France spans twenty-two meetings with seven wins apiece and eight draws, while Belgium offers eight clashes with three Italian victories, four defeats and one draw. The last chapter against the Belgians dates to Euro 2019, concluded with Italy's commanding 3-1 victory. Livorno will host the U21's fifth match on home soil, with a positive record: three wins in four previous fixtures.