Under-21 manager Silvio Baldini to manage Italy in June friendlies after Gattuso

Italy will return to the pitch in June with Silvio Baldini, the Under‑21 coach, temporarily taking charge for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece. The Italian Football Federation confirmed the appointment after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, missing out on the 2026 finals in North America. The fallout has been significant: federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned under political pressure, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon stepped down and head coach Gennaro Gattuso also left his role.

Italy will face Luxembourg away on 3 June before travelling to Crete to meet Greece on 7 June, using the fixtures as an initial step in rebuilding the senior setup. The team will then shift focus to the fifth edition of the UEFA Nations League in September. Drawn into Group 1 of League A alongside France, Belgium and Turkey, Italy face a demanding path as they attempt to re‑establish stability and competitiveness.