Baldini: Chivu and Fabregas Are Good for Italian Football

Italy U21 head coach Silvio Baldini stressed that there is no such thing as a friendly at international level. Saying that when the Azzurrini wear the red shirt rather than the blue one, they represent the honor, culture and roots of their country, Baldini stated that every match should be treated as an official fixture.

Italy have qualified for the European U21 Championship. Meanwhile, the team will play two prestigious friendlies: against France on Friday, November 13, and against Belgium on November 16.

Baldini served as interim head coach of the senior national team for two matches after Gennaro Gattuso resigned following the failure in the World Cup play-off qualifiers. He then returned to his post with the U21 team. Baldini said young players are vital for Italian football and that he began this role with great enthusiasm.

Citing Chivu at Inter and Fabregas at Como as examples, Baldini explained that these coaches develop players well, set clear rules and are not afraid to trust young players. Saying he is pleased to see this kind of approach continuing in Serie A, Baldini expressed hope that other clubs would follow the same path.

On another note, some U21 players have been called up to the senior national team for the France and Belgium matches. Milan forward Alphadjo Cisse, Como's Mattia Liberali, Parma forward Simone Lontani and Crystal Palace defender Honest Ahanor are among those named. Brentford's Michael Kayode, Sporting's Issa Doumbia and Roma's Niccolò Pisilli had already been promoted to the senior level earlier.