The Italian national football team is embarking on a new developmental phase following its failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Sixty-four days after a painful playoff elimination against Bosnia, the Azzurri return to action in an international friendly against Luxembourg.
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This match marks the debut of Silvio Baldini as interim head coach.
For this transitional period, Baldini has largely drawn from the Under-21 squad, with only Gianluigi Donnarumma and Pio Esposito as exceptions.
The roster includes promising youngsters such as Ahanor, Bartesaghi, Comuzzo, Ndour, Pisilli, Francesco Camarda, Inacio, and Koleosho.
These players represent a rebuilding effort after Italy missed the World Cup for the third consecutive edition.
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Upcoming Friendlies
The match against Luxembourg is the first of two scheduled international friendlies.
After this, Italy will travel to face Greece on Sunday, offering a double test to build confidence and assess future prospects.
Luxembourg, under coach Strasser, will line up in a defensive 4-5-1 formation.
Their starting eleven includes goalkeeper Moris, defenders Jans, Korac, Carlson, and Pinto, midfielders Thill, Martins, Olesen, Moreira, and Bonhert, and forward Sinani.
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Baldini's youthful squad aims to establish a new identity as they face a structured opposition. The friendly serves as a crucial step in Italy's rebuilding process.
