Baldini: ‘The problem for Italian football is not talent’ as 11-12 players ready

Baldini: ‘The problem for Italian football is not talent’ as 11-12 players ready Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini insists a lack of talent is ‘not the problem’ for Italian football, but rather ‘directors up to the task,’ as he praises Roberto Mancini and Claudio Ranieri for creating a pipeline. The Azzurrini secured their qualification for the European Under-21 Championship next summer thanks to a 6-2 hammering of previous group leaders Poland , a side that had conceded just two in the previous nine matches. It was achieved also thanks to senior coach Mancini releasing some talents for Under-21 duty, including Crystal Palace full-back Honest Ahanor. Baldini bullish on Italy talent CESENA, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Silvio Baldini head coach of Italy U21 during the UEFA Under21 EURO Qualifier betweenItaly U21 v Sweden U21 and ad hoc Arena im Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld on October 10, 2025 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “The players are there, a lack of young talent is not the problem,” Baldini told Sky Sport Italia. “The problem is that we don’t have directors up to the task to do things properly. You can see the players we have, how they express themselves. The senior Nazionale put youth in and straight away you could sense a different atmosphere. “If these lads don’t play, it’s natural they will struggle to improve and progress. That is the problem. Clubs need to invest much more, get these players on the field, not just constantly send them out on loan.” The Under-21 players rushed to the touchline to embrace Baldini during the victory, as the bond with the coach is evident. “Football is emotion and sentiment. I always tell the players, you are artists, just like painters or poets, you manage to stir the emotions of millions of people. “You mustn’t do this job thinking only about riches and popularity, you are transmitting joy.” CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Coach Silvio Baldini of Italy listens to the national anthem during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) Among the reforms under FIGC President, now special commissioner, Giovanni Malagò was the creation of a technical director role for the Italy squad. Ranieri’s job here is to unify the various youth levels and senior squad, creating a pipeline for their progress to working with Mancini. “They allowed me to keep the most important young players, because we had the most important games,” confessed Baldini. Technical Director Claudio Ranieri and coach Roberto Mancini pose with the Italy jersey (@azzurri) “This is collaboration. Plus there is a special person like Claudio Ranieri, who has experience of leagues in France, England and Spain, he won the Premier League with Leicester City, which nobody else can say. “He is pulling the strings between the Nazionale and the Under-21 side, he was with us in Pescara and for the whole pre-game retreat ahead of the Poland match. “Ranieri said wonderful things that motivated everyone, providing us with the charge and also the calm necessary for such an important game. He is a key figure for ferrying players between the teams, always in sync with Mancini. “There are many who are ready for the senior squad, and I think Mancini will give them the opportunity to express themselves, because he has shown he has faith in youth. I wouldn’t say it’s 3-4 players, more like 11-12 who are ready now.” EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Cher Ndour of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) It has been suggested that the Under-21 side should be forced to play in the same tactical system as the senior team, but Baldini does not agree. “You can’t just clone teams, you have to adapt the team to the strengths of the players. Tactics don’t make the difference, talent does. Players must be left the freedom to play and enjoy themselves.” Baldini also hits out at those clubs who refuse to keep young players if they don’t fit a certain physical type. “Otherwise, Leo Messi, Diego Maradona, even Pele might not have played football. Physique counts to a certain point, but the important thing is having technique that can be used within a team.” EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) It has been a very difficult few months for Baldini, who oversaw two games in the summer as caretaker manager of the senior Italy squad. In July, he lost daughter Valentina at the age of 38, who had struggled with health problems since birth. This helps explain why he couldn’t hold back tears when the squad ran to hug him on the touchline. “I was not the same person when I arrived at the training camp. I felt 80 years old, but after a few days, it took 40 years off my shoulders. They said lovely things and embraced me. “These lads were like medicine for me. I always pray for the Under-21 lads and they felt that. It was a great experience with the senior side, but I feel just as satisfied now, it makes no difference if it’s senior or Under-21, it’s still the Nazionale, my lads.”