News Focus
- Silvio Baldini states he does not wish to become Italy’s permanent head coach
- The interim manager won both of his matches in charge, defeating Luxembourg and Greece 1-0
- Inter Milan teenager Francesco Pio Esposito scored the winning goal in each clash
- The squad featured 19 debutants, with Gianluigi Donnarumma the only experienced international
- The Italian Football Federation will appoint a new president in June 2026 before naming a permanent coach
Silvio Baldini has announced he is not interested in taking the Italy job on a full-time basis. The interim coach made the statement after leading the Azzurri to two straight wins.
The 71-year-old enjoyed a perfect start to his temporary spell in charge. His side secured narrow 1-0 victories against Luxembourg and Greece during the recent international break. Young Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito emerged as the hero, netting the decisive goal in both matches on his senior debut.
The squad was largely experimental. Nineteen players received their first caps, while Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only established star in the team. The captain led a group filled with fresh faces.
Baldini stressed the importance of discipline for young players. He believes rules are a resource that help athletes mature, not a form of punishment. “When young players understand that having rules is a resource rather than a punishment, they have reached the level of maturity needed to become an important team,” he explained.
Journalists asked if he would accept the position permanently from September. Baldini rejected the idea. “It does not matter to me. I simply wanted to be useful. I am part of the Italy family,” he replied. He added that fate brought him to the role, but his journey has been difficult.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will elect a new president on 22 June 2026. The governing body will name a permanent manager only after that vote takes place.
Baldini also praised the Italy Under-17 side for winning the European Championship. He feels these results show the gap between the youth teams and the senior squad is now less steep.