Given the positive cases of COVID-19 that have emerged in the Under-21 camp over these past days, and in the knowledge that it has always operated in full compliance with the rules in force and the protocols drawn up by UEFA and the FIGC, the Federation, as a precautionary measure and with a sense of responsibility, has established that it will be the Under-20 National Team who will play at the Arena Garibaldi-Romeo Anconetani in Pisa at 17:00 CEST tomorrow. The match with the Republic of Ireland will be an Under-21 European Championship qualifying fixture and will be played behind closed doors at the discretion of the GOS (Gruppo Operativo Sicurezza) of Pisa.

The Under-20 National team, led by Alberto Bollini, has been kept up to date over the past few days. The squad have been training in Florence since Wednesday 7 October and undergone molecular tests on two occasions. All of these came back negative. After the departure of the senior team, among other things, the Under-20s moved to the Federal Technical Centre, where they have been training with the aim of being ready to take to the field in Pisa.

Furthermore, the FIGC has asked UEFA for permission to be able to add the players Patrick Cutrone, Samuele Ricci, Riccardo Sottil and Sandro Tonali, all of whom are currently in Tirrenia with the Under-21s, to the Under-20 National Team.

“It’s a big shame,” said Paolo Nicolato, the Under-21 Head Coach. “We’ve looked at every single possibility in what is a very complex situation. I’m proud of my staff and players, their behaviour and sense of responsibility are much more gratifying to me than winning.”

“Thanks to the synergy that exists between Nicolato and Bollini and within the whole Italy setup in general, the unique situation hasn’t caught us unprepared,” added Maurizio Viscidi, the National Youth Team Coordinator. “The players who will take to the pitch have important qualities, even if they’re currently lacking in experience and the right blend is still to be found.”

Alberto Bollini will be in the dugout tomorrow: “In an emergency situation, this group has behaved in an exemplary manner and with great professionalism,” he emphasised. “It’s clear that there’s increased responsibility because my staff and I are coming in for Paolo Nicolato, who, along with Maurizio Viscidi, I enjoy a great working relationship with on a daily basis. I’d like to wish our Under-21 group all the best, with my thoughts primarily focused on the health of the lads. We’ll try to do all that we can, giving it our best shot in what is a very important and prestigious match.”