With just 24 hours to go until their first European Qualifier against Montenegro (Friday 5th September, 18:15 CEST; Stadio Alberto Picco, La Spezia), Italy U21 coach, Silvio Baldini, gave an update during a press conference after the team’s first three days of training at the Olympic Training Centre in Tirrenia: "These young men represent the best of our nation. Over the past few days, they’ve been very responsive and keen to learn." For now, however, Baldini wouldn't reveal any specifics about his line-up before heading out for his final pre-match training session: "For me, they're all starters, especially since matches these days are no longer played with eleven players, but with sixteen, given the importance of the bench. So, whoever I start will be just as important as the others, and then we’ll have the second match, where we’ll make some changes as well. In the end, the hardest part will be deciding which four don’t make the cut."

They face a Montenegro team that shouldn't be counted out: "They're a very physical team, and one that shouldn't be underestimated, even though, right now, we're superior from a technical standpoint – when you think you're superior, you risk making a fool of yourself. We'll play our game; we've prepared for facing a 4-2-3-1, but even if they choose a different formation, the boys are ready." When asked about the line-up, he explained that his decision will only come after this afternoon's final training session, when the transfer to Sarzana, just outside La Spezia, is scheduled.

Among the most anticipated players is Simone Pafundi, who made his senior Italy debut under Roberto Mancini, in November 2022, at the age of 16. He made his U21 debut last season, also in La Spezia, against Ukraine (1-1). Just like Baldini, Pafundi calmly awaits tomorrow's match: "I feel as important as every other player, and I believe each of us must give everything to ensure healthy individual competition and teamwork. Looking back on the past few years, I know I’ve made mistakes like everyone else, but I’m someone who never gives up and always keeps working toward my goals. There were times when I had limited opportunities and felt like giving up, but now I’m in a new environment with people who value me, and I can’t wait to show what I’m capable of. Mancini? I chose Sampdoria because I thought it could be the right place to turn my career around; I only spoke to him the day after I arrived in Genoa."

Spezia goalkeeper, Diego Mascardi, is another of the six players from Ligurian clubs (alongside Pafundi’s fellow Sampdoria player Cherubini, and Genoa players Fini, Venturino, and Ekhator), and hopes to play at home: "It would be a great honour to make my debut at the Picco, my home. But these first few days have already been fantastic; we're working hard and a great group is forming. We've learned a lot from Coach Baldini and we can continue to improve a lot. The Olympic Games? We'll give it everything." It has been two intense days for him, with another Italian goalkeeper, who shares his Carrara roots, Gigi Buffon: "He's always been my idol: he's from Carrara like me, so it was incredible to meet him."