The surname, Palestra, already says a lot. Marco, an Atalanta defender, has indeed done plenty of "training" with the youth national teams (Palestra means gym). And for Italy-Ireland, a crucial match for qualification to the 2025 European Championship in Slovakia, he's received his first call-up after being on Corradi’s list for the opening two Elite League matches against the Czech Republic and Germany in September. Last year, he made his debut in the Europa League, this year, he already has four Serie A appearances, a few minutes in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid, and a bright future ahead of him.

"The first call-up to the Under-21 team is a great emotion". he says. "It means a lot to me. I see it as a starting point, a first step to continually improve. I’m really content, and I hope there will be many more rewarding moments with the national team. When I found out, I was super happy and couldn’t wait to get here. I’ve seen a very united and strong group, all humble guys eager to improve. Among the people who have helped me are Bonfanti, Sassi, and Pio Esposito. I’m getting to know the others, and I’m happy. They make me feel part of this group".

At the Olympic Preparation Center in Tirrenia, Italy is preparing for the crucial match next Tuesday in Trieste, which could secure their spot in the final phase. "We’ve been very focused since we arrived; it’s a decisive game. We’re training well, and the coach is pushing us to go hard. If you train well, you’ll perform well on the field".

Atalanta is one of the clubs that has chosen to create an Under-23 team: "It’s important to be valued properly, and having an Under-23 team helps because you can grow within the club. However, there are big differences between the Under-23s and the first team, such as the intensity of the matches and the physical aspects. Being part of the club helps you get recognised. Debuting against Real Madrid is not something everyone experiences, it doesn’t happen every day. I’m very happy to have stayed at Atalanta, and I’ll try to make my mark and earn my place, even though it won’t be easy".

Raised with Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol, Palestra has found teammates at Atalanta who are helping him grow: "Ruggeri, Zappacosta, Bellanova, I'm lucky to train with so many talented players. And Gasperini is helping me too, explaining what I need to do. I know I still have a lot to improve, especially in the off-the-ball phase, but I also feel that I’m still very young". Palestra primarily plays as a right-winger, but there's also the option of switching sides: "I feel I can do that. The competition is motivating, and I want to rise to the challenge".

PLAYERS CALLED UP

Goalkeepers: Sebastiano Desplanches (Palermo), Jacopo Sassi (Modena), Gioele Zacchi (Latina);
Defenders: Nicolò Bertola (Spezia), Giovanni Bonfanti (Pisa), Daniele Ghilardi (Hellas Verona), Michael Olabode Kayode (Fiorentina), Marco Palestra (Atalanta), Lorenzo Pirola (Olympiacos), Nicolò Savona (Juventus), Riccardo Turicchia (Catanzaro), Mattia Viti (Empoli), Mattia Zanotti (Lugano);
Midfielders: Tommaso Baldanzi (Roma), Alessandro Bianco (Monza), Edoardo Bove (Fiorentina), Cesare Casadei (Chelsea), Giovanni Fabbian (Bologna), Jacopo Fazzini (Empoli), Cher Ndour (Besiktas), Matteo Prati (Cagliari);
Forwards: Giuseppe Ambrosino (Frosinone), Francesco Pio Esposito (Spezia), Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds), Luca Koleosho (Burnley), Antonio Raimondo (Venezia)

UEFA EURO UNDER 21 2025 - GROUP A

Friday, 11 October

18:30 CEST: Türkiye vs Latvia

20:00 CEST: Ireland vs Norway

Tuesday, 15 October

18:30 CEST: Italy vs Ireland

8:30 CEST: Norway vs Türkiye

18:30 CEST: San Marino vs Latvia

Standings (Games played in brackets)

1. Italy (9) - 21 points
2. Ireland (8) - 17 points
3. Norway (8) - 15 points
4. Türkiye (8) - 10 points
5. Latvia (8) - 8 points
6. San Marino (9) - 0 points

Schedule

Wednesday, 9 October
11:00 CEST: Training (open to media)
Player interview on figc.it

Thursday, 10 October
15:00 CEST: Friendly match Italy Under 21 - Livorno (open to media)
Followed by: Nunziata interview

Friday, 11 October
11:00 CEST: Training (open to media)

Saturday, 12 October
11:00 CEST: Training (closed to media)
14:00 CEST: Player press conference (Zoom and in-person)

Sunday, 13 October
10:30 CEST: Training (closed to media)
16:39 CEST: Train from Florence SMN to Trieste Centrale and transfer to NH Trieste Hotel
Exclusive player interview for Domenica Sportiva (Rai)

Monday, 14 October
14:15 CEST: Nunziata press conference (Zoom and in-person)
18:30 CEST: Training at 'Nereo Rocco' Stadium (first 15 minutes open to media)

Tuesday, 15 October
18:30 CEST: ITALY - Ireland (at  Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste, live on Rai 2)
Followed by a press conference and the dissolution of the delegation