The match against Bosnia is drawing nearer. This afternoon, the Under-21 National Team left their training base in Tirrenia and travelled to Zenica, where, on Friday, they’ll play Bosnia at 17:30 CEST in what will be the first of two European qualifying fixtures this month.

After wins against Luxembourg and Montenegro, the Azzurrini will need to raise the bar again, but no one in the Italy camp seems to be unduly concerned, first and foremost Riccardo Calafiori. Despite his young age, the Roma defender has already faced a tough battle in overcoming a severe injury that almost put an end to his career. “The matches against Bosnia and Sweden will be played at a higher level compared to our first two games this year. As we go on, things will go up a gear and we’ll need to make sure that we’re ready. Obviously, our objective is to pick up six points.”

Last month, Calafiori earned his first U21 call-up and went on to make his debut on 3 September against Luxembourg, coming on as a substitute for Udogie: “Being part of this group is a great achievement; it was a goal I’d set myself previously. Now, I’m here, and we’re looking to push on and grow together. This is a group that I’m well acquainted with. We’re united and we all get along; this unity is something we need to transfer onto the pitch. I’m trying to take the experience I’ve had with Mourinho and apply it here. For those who aren’t playing for their clubs, it’s important for them to ensure that they’re ready and display all of their qualities.”

At club level, Calafiori has only donned the Giallorossi colours during his career so far: “My dream has always been to remain at Roma for as long as possible. There have been a few setbacks because of a severe injury, but this helped to make me stronger. It’s now behind me and I no longer think about it.”

Danish referee Peter Kjaesgaard will take charge of the match between Bosnia and Italy. The linesmen will be Victor Skytte and Jesper Dahl, while Morten Krogh will perform the role of fourth official.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Semuel Pizzignacco (Vicenza), Alessandro Russo (Alessandria), Stefano Turati (Reggina);

Defenders: Raoul Bellanova (Cagliari), Riccardo Calafiori (Roma), Andrea Cambiaso (Genoa), Simone Canestrelli (Crotone), Andrea Carboni (Cagliari), Gabriele Ferrarini (Perugia), Matteo Lovato (Atalanta), Kaleb Okoli (Cremonese), Lorenzo Pirola (Monza), Iyenoma Destiny Udogie (Udinese);

Midfielders: Marco Brescianini (Monza), Salvatore Esposito (Spal), Nicolò Fagioli (Cremonese), Filippo Ranocchia (Vicenza), Samuele Ricci (Empoli), Nicolò Rovella (Genoa), Sandro Tonali (Milan);

Forwards: Matteo Cancellieri (Hellas Verona), Lorenzo Colombo (Spal), Sebastiano Esposito (FC Basel), Lorenzo Lucca (Pisa), Samuele Mulattieri (Crotone), Roberto Piccoli (Atalanta), Emanuel Vignato (Bologna).

Schedule (all times CEST)  

Wednesday 6 October 2021

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)

17:00 Charter flight Pisa – Sarajevo and subsequent transfer to Zenica Hotel (approx. 1 h.)

 

Thursday 7 October 2021

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)

14:00 Press conference – Head Coach Nicolato (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)

17:30 Technical meeting

19:00 Visit to the FF BH Football Training Centre

     

Friday 8 October 2021

09:00 Exclusive RAI interview – Nicolato

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)

12:55 Technical meeting

17:30 FF BH Football Training Centre

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA VS. ITALIA 

Post-match press conference to follow (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)                               

Saturday 9 October 2021

11:00 Charter flight Sarajevo – Milan Malpensa and subsequent transfer to Novarello Villaggio Azzurro via Dante Graziosi,1 Granozzo con Monticello

17:30 Training (behind closed doors)

 

Sunday 10 October 2021

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)

14:00 RAI interview with Nicolato for La Domenica Sportiva

17:30 Training (behind closed doors)

20:10 Technical meeting

Monday 11 October 2021

10:30 Training (behind closed doors)

14:00 Press conference – Head Coach Nicolato (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom)

16:00 Departure for hotel in Monza area

19:00 Visit to Stadio Brianteo in Monza

 

Tuesday 12 October 2021

09:30 Exclusive RAI interview – Nicolato

10:30 Muscle workout

12:40 Technical meeting

17:30 Stadio Brianteo

ITALY VS. SWEDEN

Post-match press conference to follow (RAI in attendance, otherwise broadcast via zoom) and subsequent return to respective clubs