Baldini Calls Fresh New Italy Squad with Dortmund Starlet Inacio Among Experimental Picks

The Italian national team is entering a period of significant transition. Following a challenging cycle that saw the Azzurri fail to qualify for the World Cup, interim head coach Silvio Baldini has opted for a bold, forward-looking strategy for the upcoming June international window. In a move that signals a clear departure from the past, Baldini is set to name an experimental squad for the friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg, leaning heavily on emerging talent rather than established veterans.

The headline of this roster overhaul is the inclusion of Borussia Dortmund teenager Samuele Inacio. The 18-year-old, who recently made a statement with a goal in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt, has been fast-tracked into the senior fold. Despite having never featured for the Italy Under-21 side, Inacio’s development in Germany has clearly caught the attention of the Italian technical staff, marking him as a cornerstone of this new-look project.

A New Direction for the Azzurri

Silvio Baldini, who officially serves as both the Italy Under-21 head coach and the caretaker manager for the senior national team, appears to be using these friendlies as a laboratory. The squad construction focuses on integrating players who have impressed throughout the domestic season, with a core group drawn directly from the Under-21 pipeline.

“We are looking to the future,” a sentiment reflected in the roster’s composition, which notably excludes many senior figures from the recent qualifying cycle. The only consistent veteran presence will be captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, who remains the bridge between the recent past and this experimental future.

The confirmed core of this new squad includes a blend of high-potential Serie B and Serie A talents, such as Michael Kayode, Davide Bartesaghi, and the prolific Francesco Pio Esposito. This infusion of youth is designed to provide the coaching staff with a clearer picture of the depth available for the next major tournament cycle.

The Inacio Factor and Defensive Depth

The potential debut of Samuele Inacio is perhaps the most anticipated aspect of this camp. As the son of former Italian striker Inacio Pià, the teenager carries significant pedigree, but his recent performance in the Bundesliga has provided concrete evidence of his readiness. Reports indicate that Inacio could see minutes before even getting a run with the Under-21 squad, highlighting the urgency with which Baldini wants to evaluate his ceiling.

In goal, the situation remains fluid. Lazio’s Edoardo Motta has been marked for a potential call-up, though his participation remains subject to a final fitness assessment. Motta missed the conclusion of the Serie A season due to a hamstring injury sustained during the final matches against Roma and Pisa. Should he be cleared by the medical team, he will compete for minutes alongside other standout performers like Palmisani and Daffara, both of whom have enjoyed breakout campaigns in Serie B.

What to Watch for in June

For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming matches against Greece and Luxembourg serve as a litmus test for Italy’s tactical identity under Baldini. With the senior core largely sidelined, the spotlight falls squarely on the tactical discipline and collective chemistry of this younger cohort.

Key areas to monitor include:

• Tactical Flexibility: How Baldini integrates players from disparate club systems into a unified national team identity.
• The Midfield Engine: With names like Pisilli and Ndour in the mix, the battle for control in the center of the park will be vital against Greece’s seasoned tactical setup.
• Defensive Cohesion: With a new backline likely to feature the likes of Kayode and Bartesaghi, the chemistry at the back will be tested immediately.

This experimental phase is not merely about results in June; it is about establishing a culture of accountability and competition. By inviting younger players to compete for starting roles, Baldini is effectively resetting the hierarchy within the national setup.

Looking Ahead

The official squad announcement is expected shortly as the team prepares to convene for the June friendlies. As Italy navigates this post-World Cup wilderness, the reliance on players like Inacio and the continued development of the Under-21 core will be the defining narrative of the coming months.

For the latest updates on the squad, including confirmed medical reports for Edoardo Motta and final training camp logistics, fans should monitor official announcements from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The path to redemption for the Azzurri is a long one, but the journey officially begins with these high-stakes tests in June.

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, bringing over 15 years of experience in global sports journalism to our coverage of international football.