Italy Under-21 trained at Tirrenia today ahead of the friendly against Romania on Tuesday (17:30 CET) at the Stadio Benito Stirpe in Frosinone. After the prerequisite medical checks, defenders Matteo Lovato (thigh) and Lorenzo Pirola (knee) left the camp. Cagliari defender Andrea Carboni also left the camp with flu-like symptoms.

In the meantime, we caught up with Salvatore Esposito at the Azzurrini’s training camp: “When you pull on this shirt, there are no friendlies. Whoever plays against Romania, I’m sure, will give 100%, will fight and will do anything to win – just like it should be. We’re not just representing ourselves but an entire nation.” The SPAL centre-midfielder, who put in a good performance against Ireland, has a lot of love for Paolo Nicolato: “I’ve always felt his faith in me ever since the Under-20 World Cup, in which he gave me a chance that changed my entire career. I was playing in Serie C with Ravenna end he gave me an enormous show of faith by taking me to the World Cup and playing me. The coach then gave me my Under-21 debt, so I can only thank him and try to repay that on the pitch.”

Until a few weeks ago, Tonali was tasked with dictating the tempo of the game and, after a brilliant start to the domestic campaign, was promoted to Roberto Mancini’s first team: “Following on from him doesn’t weigh me down. I’ve known Sandro since I was twelve years old; we’ve played together for years and I’m really happy for him. He is a really physical player with a lot of character and quality, of course. I’m more of a passer, he likes to carry the ball. We have different characteristics and we can also play together.”

In spite of his young age, Salvatore has no qualms about taking more responsibility: “I don’t really feel pressure. I’ve always had personality and it makes me happy that people are noticing it. This is a group that is developing nicely and we’re showing this growth out on the pitch.” He was full of praise for his midfield partners: “I get on really well with Samuele Ricci and Nicolò Rovella because they are two talented players, given they are both playing in Serie A. It’s great to play alongside them because they give me a lot of security and calmness. I can give them the ball at any given moment.”

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi (Cremonese), Alessandro Russo (Alessandria), Stefano Turati (Reggina);
Defenders: Raoul Bellanova (Cagliari), Andrea Cambiaso (Genoa), Simone Canestrelli (Crotone), Gabriele Ferrarini (Perugia), Caleb Okoli (Cremonese), Fabiano Parisi (Empoli), Giacomo Quagliata (Heracles Almelo), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Mattia Viti (Empoli);
Midfielders: Salvatore Esposito (SPAL), Nicolò Fagioli (Cremonese), Filippo Ranocchia (Vicenza), Samuele Ricci (Empoli), Nicolò Rovella (Genoa);
Attackers Matteo Cancellieri (Hellas Verona), Lorenzo Colombo (SPAL), Alessandro Cortinovis (Reggina), Lorenzo Lucca (Pisa), Samuele Mulattieri (Crotone), Pietro Pellegri (Milan), Roberto Piccoli (Atalanta), Emanuel Vignato (Bologna).

Schedule (all times CET)   

Sunday 14 November 2021

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)
13:30 Press conference – Player (zoom for everybody)
17:30 Training (behind closed doors)

Monday 15 November 2021

09:00 Charter train Livorno – Frosinone and subsequent transfer to Silva Hotel Splendid, Fiuggi
14:00 Press conference – Head Coach Nicolato (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)
17:30 Training at the Stadio Benito Stripe in Frosinone (first 15 minutes open to the press)  

Tuesday 16 November 2021

09:00 Exclusive RAI interview - Nicolato
10:30 Muscle workout
17:30 Stadio Benito Stripe in Frosinone: ITALY VS. ROMANIA
Post-match press conference (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom) and return to respective clubs to follow