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SpielerOctober 11, 2026

Baldini: 'Mancini gave us the best players for Poland

Italian U21 national team coach Silvio Baldini expresses respect for Roberto Mancini and discusses the team's success and future ambitions, including a strong performance against Poland.

Baldini: 'Mancini gave us the best players for Poland

Baldini: 'Mancini gave us the best players for Poland

According to Sports.

Background

Silvio Baldini has established himself as coach of the Italian U21s and benefits from the support of experienced coaches such as Roberto Mancini and Andrea Barzagli. The U21 has strengthened by integrating talented players such as Cher Ndour and Pio Esposito, which increases the chances of success in upcoming tournaments.

Why this is important

Silvio Baldini, coach of the Italian U21 national team, highlights the importance of working with Roberto Mancini, who has given him talented players. This not only strengthens the U21s, but also promotes the development of young talents such as Cher Ndour, who drew attention with his impressive goal against Poland. Baldini's positive relationship with Mancini and the support of Andrea Barzagli are crucial to the team's ambitions to achieve success at the U21 European Championships.

Key findings

  • Baldini: 'Mancini gave us the best players for Poland.
  • Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini expresses respect for Roberto Mancini and discusses the team's success and future ambitions, including a strong performance against Poland.
  • Baldini: ‘Mancini left us our best players for Poland, Barzagli a pleasant surprise’ - Yahoo Sports.
The coach of the Italian U21 national team, Silvio Baldini, expressed his appreciation for the head coach of the senior national team, Roberto Mancini, in a recent interview. Baldini emphasizes that Mancini has given the U21 the best players for the upcoming games against Armenia and Poland, which has significantly improved the team's strength. He particularly highlights the role of Andrea Barzagli, a former Juventus defender who has proven to be a "pleasant surprise" in his coaching team. Baldini is optimistic about qualifying for the U21 European Championships. In an impressive final game, the U21 national team defeated Poland 6-2 in Pescara to secure top spot in their group. An absolute highlight of the game was a stunning 70-yard shot from Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour, who is already being tipped as a contender for the Puskas Prize. Baldini himself was thrilled with this goal: “I have never seen a goal like this in my career,” he said. Regarding his role as a coach, Baldini explained that it is important for him to address his players individually and respond to their needs. He explained that sometimes it's like speaking to ten people who speak ten different languages. In order to make yourself understood, you have to adapt the language. This was particularly evident when he brought in Ahanor from the senior team to strengthen the defence. Baldini emphasized that he tried not only to criticize Ahanor but also to explain to him what he expected from him. A key concern for Baldini is to make it clear to his players that they should not just focus on fame and fortune, but rather that they need to rediscover the joy of football that they had as children. Image Another interesting aspect is the collaboration with his son Mattia, who also works as a coach in the U21 team. Baldini made it clear that there is no nepotism here and that Mattia deserves the recognition for his work. Andrea Barzagli, who coaches the U21 team, pleasantly surprised Baldini. “I never would have thought that someone with his level of experience would be so humble and constantly want to develop,” said Baldini. He believes Barzagli has the potential to launch a successful coaching career. Baldini is looking forward to the challenges ahead, including the U21 European Championships and the possible Olympic Games in 2028. "I hope that we not only go to the EURO, but also have the opportunity to win it," he said. One player Baldini would like to see in his team is Pio Esposito, who has signaled his willingness to play provided he is not too busy with the senior team. Overall, it can be said that the Italian U21 national team is on a promising path under Baldini's leadership, with a strong performance against Poland and great ambitions for the coming years.

What happens next

With the win against Poland, the Italian U21 national team secured their qualification for the U21 European Championship. Baldini will continue to work on the individual development of his players in order to fully exploit their potential. Players like Pio Esposito are already showing interest in joining the team, which makes the U21's future bright.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Silvio Baldini?

Silvio Baldini is the coach of the Italian U21 national team.

Which players did Roberto Mancini leave to the U21?

Roberto Mancini gave the U21 the best players for the upcoming games, which improved the team's strength.

What did Baldini say about Andrea Barzagli?

Baldini described Andrea Barzagli, a former Juventus defender, as a "pleasant surprise" in his coaching team.

How did the U21 national team perform against Poland?

The U21 national team defeated Poland 6-2 in Pescara and secured first place in their group.

What was the highlight of the game against Poland?

A highlight of the game was a 70-yard shot from the Fiorentina midfield Eldplayer Cher Ndour, who is considered a candidate for the Puskas Prize.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Who is Silvio Baldini?
Silvio Baldini is the coach of the Italian U21 national team.
Which players did Roberto Mancini leave for the U21s?
Roberto Mancini has given the U21 the best players for the upcoming games, which has improved the team's strength.
What did Baldini say about Andrea Barzagli?
Baldini described Andrea Barzagli, a former Juventus defender, as a "pleasant surprise" in his coaching team.
How did the U21 national team perform against Poland?
The U21 national team defeated Poland 6-2 in Pescara to secure first place in their group.
What was the highlight of the game against Poland?
A highlight of the game was a 70-yard shot from Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour, who is tipped to be a contender for the Puskas Award.