Italy Under-21 head coach Silvio Baldini has challenged his squad to maintain absolute tactical dominance as they prepare to face Armenia in Yerevan on Tuesday, warning his players that complacency remains their biggest hurdle in the race for direct European Championship qualification.
The Italian youth team departed for Armenia on Monday afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s qualifying fixture, which kicks off at 18:30 local time (16:30 UTC). Baldini’s side currently sits firmly in the hunt for a top spot in the group standings, though the manager stressed that securing automatic qualification requires victories in both of their remaining fixtures against Armenia and Poland.
The Path Through Yerevan and the Polish Decider
Following the trip to Armenia, Italy will host Poland on October 5 at the Stadio Adriatico in Pescara for what shapes up as a decisive clash in the group campaign.
While Armenia sits at the bottom of the group without a point, Baldini cautioned his players against any drop in standards. In the reverse fixture played earlier in the campaign in Cremona, Italy secured a comfortable 5-1 victory. Despite the disparity in the standings, the manager emphasized that the team’s internal mindset matters far more than the opponent’s league position.
Baldini Demands Proactive Play and Mental Freedom
Addressing reporters ahead of the team's departure, Baldini emphasized the importance of an aggressive, proactive approach rather than simply chasing a result out of fear.
“This long training camp has allowed us to work extensively and consolidate the group,” Baldini said. “Now the lads must approach these two matches with the desire to improve themselves, thinking about the performance and trying to be always proactive and dominant in the game regardless of the opponent. If we are afraid of the result, we might even win, but we will not have expressed ourselves to our maximum.”
The coach highlighted that mental focus and internal discipline outweigh external threats when preparing for lower-ranked opponents.
“When I coach players, I make my evaluations based on the direct contact I have with them,” Baldini added. “We will face Armenia as if it were Poland. They must perform, feel free and happy. The most dangerous enemy is themselves and never the opponent—the approach will be decisive. We cannot think of playing against a team last in the standings and be superficial, because that would not allow us to perform at our best.”
Inspiration from the Senior National Team and the “Kayode Effect”
Baldini also pointed to the recent success of the senior Italian national team, noting how tangible pathways from the youth setup continue to motivate the current Under-21 squad. He specifically referenced defender Michael Kayode, who spent time with the youth ranks before earning a call-up and featuring for the senior side.
“We cheered for him in front of the TV,” Baldini said. “And the lads know that every one of them can make the leap to the senior national team, where a new atmosphere has been seen. It is a cycle that can start well, and we hope to put on a great performance also against France.”
Related reading
