Paolo Nicolato’s Under-21s had their first day of work in Abano Terme today, preparing themselves for their two games in EURO 2021 qualifying against Iceland (Saturday 16 in Ferrara) and Armenia (Tuesday 19 in Catania).

Italy currently sit in third place in Group 1, trailing two points behind Iceland and three behind Ireland in top spot, both of whom have played more games than the Azzurrini. Italy will have a fantastic chance to climb the rankings with their upcoming home games, matches that could prove decisive in their race for qualification.

Italy’s Coach spoke in a press conference: “All of our games are challenging, and the next two will be tough as we face teams who are both strong physically. But I’m confident, we have a full week to prepare, we hope that we can use the time well and be as ready as possible.”
The first of the two games will come against Iceland. Unbeaten and still yet to concede after their first three games, Italy will feel ready to face any challenges that await them in the next two games. Nicolato added: “I’m expecting a very physical match against Iceland because they’re a team with plenty of physicality, made up out of players who are all further ahead in their preparations and in terms of games played. But my team have also grown, and we have a handful of guys who have started to play more in the league, Bastoni for example, an essential player for us who brings us quality, strength and intuition.”

Having lost Tonali after he was called up to the Senior National Team to replace Verratti, Nicolato brought Chievo Verona midfielder Salvatore Esposito into the group for his first call-up to the Under-21s. The Coach commented: “These are situations that from a certain point of view reward us but, on the other hand, also bring us some additional difficulties. We will however try to line up with a quality team, we must be confident in helping new players develop to the same level. It will take patience, but I’m confident. Esposito is a young man who knows how to play the game well, even if he’s not completely mature from a physical point of view.”

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi (Trapani), Mattia Del Favero (Piacenza), Alessandro Plizzari (Livorno);

Defenders: Claud Adjapong (Hellas Verona), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Davide Bettella (Pescara), Enrico Delprato (Livorno), Matteo Gabbia (Milan), Luca Pellegrini (Cagliari), Luca Ranieri (Fiorentina), Marco Sala (Virtus Entella);

Midfielders: Marco Carraro (Perugia), Davide Frattesi (Empoli), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Giulio Maggiore (Spezia), Fabio Maistro (Salernitana), *Salvatore Esposito (Chievo Verona), Niccolò Zanellato (Crotone);

Forwards: Patrick Cutrone (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Moise Bioty Kean (Everton), Andrea Pinamonti (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Ascoli), Riccardo Sottil (Fiorentina).

Staff – Delegation head: Massimo Paganin; Coach: Paolo Nicolato; Accompanying director: Vincenzo Marinelli; Secretary Manfredi Martino; Assistant Coach: Mirco Gasparetto; Fitness Coach: Vincenzo Pincolini; Goalkeeping Coach: Gian Matteo Mareggini; Match analyst: Francesco Bordin; Doctors: Angelo De Carli and Vincenzo Santoriello; Physiotherapists: Emiliano Bozzetti and Nicola Sanna; Hosteopath: Cristiano Pompili; Physician: Cristian Osgnach.

*replaces Sandro Tonali (Brescia)

Schedule

Monday 11th November

By 12:00 - La Residence & Hidrokinesis, Abano Terme

13:30 - Paolo Nicolato’s press conference

16:30 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (open to the media)

Tuesday 12th November

10:00 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (first 15 minutes open to the media)

13:15 - Press meeting with one player at La Residence & Hidrokinesis

16:30 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (closed)

Wednesday 13th November

10:00 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (first 15 minutes open to the media)

13:15 - Press meeting with one player at La Residence & Hidrokinesis

16:30 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (closed)

Thursday 14th November

10:00 - Training at the Stadio Comunale in Abano Terme (first 15 minutes open to the media)

13:15 - Press meeting with one player at La Residence & Hidrokinesis

17:00 - Travel from Ferrara c/o Unaway Hotel Occhiobello (Via Eridania 36 – 45030 Santa Maria Maddalena (Ro)

Friday 15th November

15:30      (tbc) - Paolo Nicolato’s press conference at the stadium in Ferrara

16:30 - Training at the stadium in Ferrara (first 15 minutes open to the media)

 Saturday 16th November

10:00 - Training (closed)

11:00 - Exclusive RAI TV interview with Paolo Nicolato

18:30 ITALY vs. Iceland followed by the post-match press conference and dinner at the hotel.

 Sunday 17th November

10:00 - Training (closed)

16:00 - V7 1264 flight Venice-Catania

17.55 - Arrival in Catania and transfer to the Una Hotel Palace di Catania (Via Etnea 218 - 95131 Catania)

Monday 18th November

15:30 (tbc) - Paolo Nicolato’s press conference at the Stadio Angelo Massimino

16:30 (tbc) - Official training at the Stadio Angelo Massimino (First 15 minutes open to the media)

Tuesday 19th November

10:00 - Training (closed)

11:00 - Exclusive RAI TV with Paolo Nicolato

18:30 –ITALY vs. Armenia,  followed by the post-match press conference and dinner at the hotel.

 Wednesday 20th November

Return to club sides.