After earning their place in next year's European Championships last June, the Under-21 side will begin the new international season and their preparations for the tournament with two friendly games against England and Japan. The ‘Adriatico-Giovanni Cornacchia’ stadium in Pescara will host the match against England on Thursday 22 September, while the game against Japan will be played on Monday 26 September at the ‘Teofilo Patini’ stadium in Castel di Sangro.

The Azzurrini are unbeaten in Pescara (four wins and 1 draw) and Castel di Sangro (five wins and 1 draw), and have a slightly better head to head with their English counterparts: 8 wins, 7 draws and 6 defeats. The only previous meeting with Japan dates back to 15 August 2004 in the football event at The Olympic Games, with Italy winning 3-2 thanks to two goals from Alberto Gilardino and one from Daniele De Rossi. Italy eventually finished in third position, winning the bronze medal.