Baldini lauds Donnarumma and Esposito for their humility

Interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini has expressed surprise at the humility of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and striker Francesco Pio Esposito in a group of largely Under-21 players.

Having failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Italy interim coach, Silvio Baldini, has lauded the duo for their humility in still honouring international calls for friendlies after failing to qualify for the World Cup consecutively.

Baldini, who will be in charge of the Azzurri for the final two friendly matches of the season in Luxembourg on Wednesday and in Greece on Sunday, is expected to field a largely under-21 side for the games.

Baldini, who was promoted from the Under-21 job after Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation, decided to focus largely on new faces in his squad after the World Cup play-off disappointment, with the expectation of discovering new faces and creating more competition in the squad for upcoming games and tournaments.

Baldini told Sky Sport Italia that he felt emotional before going to the Coverciano ground for the first time, for a whole month leading up to the games.

He added that that emotion is expected to be put aside once the game starts, as coaches have to think about doing their job well.

“Of course, there are feelings, otherwise you are not a person, but you’ve got to focus,” he added.

Fresh from a long season with many cities, Donnarumma is among the few members of the old guard in the side for these games. 

This, according to the gaffer, is surprising due to the great attitude the captain brings into the team, adding that such an attitude is wonderful.

This is an opportunity for others who are largely from the Under-21 side and are uncapped. Baldini will allow them to show off the future of the Nazionale.

Baldini added that there is a lot of talent in the squad, describing them as great players who are in Serie A.

“This is the moment where they can explode onto the scene.

“We already saw that kind of development with Marco Palestra and Niccolò Pisilli, who stepped into the big leagues and were part of this group of youngsters.”

Italy have a bright future as they are doing well at youth level, particularly the Under-17 and Under-19 tournaments.

They have, however, seemed to hit a brick wall once they have to make the step up to senior football.