Cremona, Italy – Oct 14: Coach Silvio Baldini reacts during the U21 Euro qualifier against Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Silvio Baldini has unveiled his squad as Italy U21 face Poland in a make‑or‑break Euro 2027 qualifier, a clash for the top spot.
Kick‑off is set for 17:15 BST.
Poland sit atop the group, unbeaten with nine wins from nine. Italy, already assured of at least second, sit on 24 points after eight victories and a draw.
The group leader earns direct entry to the finals in Albania and Serbia. Italy must win by a two‑goal margin to leapfrog Poland.
Second‑placed teams still have a path to the tournament; the best runner‑up qualifies directly. Italy could claim that slot if they finish behind Poland, otherwise they face an eight‑team play‑off for the remaining places.
Baldini reshuffled his Azzurrini after the late 1‑0 win over Armenia, slotting scorer Alphadjo Cisse into the start‑XI following his stoppage‑time strike, adding Mattia Liberali to the front three, and listing Francesco Camarda among the substitutes. In my view, Baldini’s tweaks give Italy the edge.
Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour and Roma’s Nicolo Pisilli retain midfield duties, while Giacomo Faticanti, on loan at Avellino from Juventus, replaces Luca Lipani.
Honest Ahanor, initially called up to the senior squad, withdrew from Mancini’s camp and is now available for Baldini’s U21 side, joining the four‑man defence against Poland.
Italy U21s vs. Poland U21s: Confirmed line‑ups
Italy (4-3-3): Palmisani; Ahanor, Comuzzo, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Pisilli, Faticanti, Ndour; Liberali, Koleosho, Cisse.
Poland (4-2-3-1): Lubik; Krajewski, Monka, Ede, Gurgul; Kowalczyk, Kocaba; Urbanski, Mazurek, Pienko; Bak.