Having qualified for the European Championship without the need to progress via the playoffs, the U21s are now focusing on preparing for next summer’s tournament. It’s the first day of training camp for Carmine Nunziata’s side, who have two friendlies on the horizon: the Azzurrini will take on France in Empoli at 16:15 CET on Friday 15 November before facing Ukraine in La Spezia at 18:15 CEST four days later. Edoardo Bove has left the camp due to a physical problem, while Luca Koleosho has also been ruled out. Simone Pafundi (Lausanne), who was initially called up to the U20 squad, is now set to join up with the U21s in Tirrenia.

“Our journey so far has been a positive and excellent one,” said Nunziata during his press conference today. “We’ve scored 27 and conceded just four, so we’re at a good point. Facing the best sides allows you to better see where you’re at. This week, our objective is to try and improve the few things we haven’t done quite so well and build on the many good things we’ve done. I’d like to give playing time to those who haven’t featured as much.”

Two teams who have already qualified for the Euros were chosen as Italy’s opponents: “These two games will allow us to compare our current level to others,” added Nunziata. “We’ll work on all aspects, also because we want to be contenders at the Euros and go far in the tournament.”

In the past few months, several U21 players have made the step up to the senior side. “This is undoubtedly pleasing for us. In addition to working to achieve positive results, it’s vital for us to pass on players to the senior team, and seeing some make the step up is a source of pride for us. Our group consists of 30-31 players, but if other players emerge, it’s only right for them to be included. We’re here to improve the team. We’re following a lot of lads, like Camarda, for example, who is with the U19s. The March international window could provide an opportunity to try them out.”

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Sebastiano Desplanches (Palermo), Jacopo Sassi (Modena), Gioele Zacchi (Latina);
Defenders: Nicolò Bertola (Spezia), Giovanni Bonfanti (Pisa), Diego Coppola (Hellas Verona), Daniele Ghilardi (Hellas Verona), Gabriele Guarino (Carrarese), Michael Olabode Kayode (Fiorentina), Marco Palestra (Atalanta), Lorenzo Pirola (Olympiacos), Matteo Ruggeri (Atalanta), Riccardo Turicchia (Catanzaro), Mattia Zanotti (Lugano);
Midfielders: Tommaso Baldanzi (Roma), Alessandro Bianco (Monza), Cesare Casadei (Chelsea), Giovanni Fabbian (Bologna), Fabio Miretti (Genoa), Cher Ndour (Besiktas), Matteo Prati (Cagliari);
Forwards: Giuseppe Ambrosino (Frosinone), Francesco Pio Esposito (Spezia), Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds), Simone Pafundi (Lausanne), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo)