Two months of hard work, four European qualifying matches played, three wins and one draw. It hasn’t been easy for this new-look squad, built around a small group of ‘veterans’, but with lots of eager rookies. The new two-year cycle for the squad started three months ago, after being knocked out by Portugal in the quarterfinals of the European Championships. This has given Nicolato just enough time to start afresh and begin this new chapter for the team.

Right from the off, coach Paolo Nicolato requested time and patience, with a team that needed time to mesh and get to know each other, especially all the players lacking international experience. Today, on the eve of an important match like the one which the Azzurrini will play tomorrow at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin (18:30 CET) against the Republic of Ireland, the U21 coach hopes to “continue on the same path; we have made huge steps forward, we are optimistic that we will live up to expectations, but we will have to wait and see tomorrow. We have trained well and hopefully; we can carry our aggression into the game”.

Our aim, which doesn’t need to be underlined, is, of course, to take home all three points and widen the gap between us and the chasing pack (Ireland and Montenegro, both of whom sit on seven points), but above all to overtake Sweden (Italy are one point behind the leaders, with a game in hand) and go top of the group. “We are trying to lay one brick after another, looking to improve and build on our performances, then, of course, add more. Obviously, the contest depends on the opponent, but as far as my team is concerned, I am happy with how they have been training and working together as a group”.

Nicolato’s key message to his side has been to not underestimate their opponent. “Ireland are a very tough side at home, but we can play ugly too, even if it’s not exactly our classic style of play since we are a team that wants to showcase our quality. But that said, we will need to be aggressive. We know what we need to go and do out there.”

 

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi (Cremonese), Alessandro Russo (Alessandria), Stefano Turati (Reggina);
Defenders: Raoul Bellanova (Cagliari), Andrea Cambiaso (Genoa), Andrea Carboni (Cagliari), Gabriele Ferrarini (Perugia), Matteo Lovato (Atalanta), Caleb Okoli (Cremonese), Lorenzo Pirola (Monza), Giacomo Quagliata (Heracles Almelo), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta);
Midfielders: Salvatore Esposito (Spal), Nicolò Fagioli (Cremonese), Filippo Ranocchia (Vicenza), Samuele Ricci (Empoli), Nicolò Rovella (Genoa);
Strikers: Matteo Cancellieri (Hellas Verona), Lorenzo Colombo (Spal), Lorenzo Lucca (Pisa), Samuele Mulattieri (Crotone), Roberto Piccoli (Atalanta), Emanuel Vignato (Bologna).

 

Thursday 11 November 2021
10:30 (l.t.) Training (behind closed doors)
14:00 (l.t.) Press conference – Head Coach Nicolato (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)
18:30 (l.t.) Visit to the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin   

Friday 12 November 2021
09:00 (l.t.) Exclusive RAI interview – Nicolato
10:30 (l.t.) Training (behind closed doors)
17:30 (l.t.) Tallaght Stadium in Dublin: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND VS. ITALY, Post-match press conference to follow (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)

Saturday 13 November 2021
10:30 (l.t.) Charter flight Dublin - Pisa and subsequent transfer to Tirrenia Olympic Training Centre
17:30 Training (behind closed doors)

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 Recovery session
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