Lorenzo Pirola pictured his first game as captain for the Under-21s rather differently, or at least ending in victory. But it will remain, in any case, an unforgettable day in the career of the young Salernitana defender, who has been selected by Carmine Nunziata to "lead" his teammates in this new two-year cycle. Pirola is also one of the current crop of players who was present in the previous cycle, experiencing the disappointment of being eliminated in the Euros in Romania and Georgia this summer: "The armband is a huge recognition, but above all a responsibility," explained the defender born in Brianza and brought through the ranks at Inter. "It is a responsibility both on and off the pitch. It's up to me, as I'm the oldest in the group, to make the others understand that the Under 21s is another thing. All the lads who have stepped up either played in the Under-20 World Cup or won the Under-19 Euros, but this level is another step up in class and development, and where things are more difficult and every opponent becomes more competitive."

It is exactly what this Italy side experience, playing out a 0-0 draw in the 2025 European qualifying opener in Latvia. The Azzurrini were unable to find a breakthrough despite creating numerous chances, and even Nunziata admitted that his side needs to do more. "I agree with the coach," said Pirola. "With all respect to Latvia and they way they played, we should be coming here and taking all three points. The game in Jurmala was that classic match where if you don't get an early goal, you can find yourself in trouble and risk making things even worse and that's exactly what happened. We definitely need to improve, but at the same time remain calm: the last time out we ended finishing the group top with three draws. Let's say we were a bit fortunate...". 

The season has just started and, out of the factors that determined the result and perfomance, probably the most significant was the physical shape of the group: "We will be fitter and sharper going forward, but we can't use this as an excuse," admitted Pirola. "I'm definitely ahead of the some of the others because I've got minutes under my belt for Salernitana: playing with your club is vital." The captain had several dedications to shout out as well: "To my family, my grandfather, Ezio, who sadly passed away just before the Euros and who was so proud to see me play for the National team. And also Martina." To play in the Euros, Lorenzo had to postpone his wedding day: the new date has been fixed, though. "We'll get married on 12 June." 

This morning, the group departed Latvia and flew directly to Turkey, where they will play their second Group A match on Tuesday at 18:30 CEST in Kocaeli. Instead, this afternoon they will have their first training session on Turkish soil. 


UEFA EURO UNDER 21 2025 - GROUP A
Thursday 7 September
San Marino 0-7 Norway
Friday 8 September
Latvia 0-0 Italy
Rep. of Ireland 3-2 Turkey
Standings (matches played in brackets): Latvia (2) 4, Norway (1) 3, Italy (1) 1, Ireland (1), Turkey (0), San Marino (2) 0

ITALY'S SCHEDULE
Tuesday 12 September (18.30 CEST): Turkey vs. Italy (Kocaeli)
Wednesday 17 October (17.45 CEST): Italy vs. Norway (Bolzano)
Thursday 16 November: San Marino vs.Italy
Tuesday 21 November: Ireland vs Italy
Friday 22 March 2024: Italy vs. Latvia
Tuesday 26 March 2024: Italy vs. Turkey
Thursday 5 September 2024: Italy vs. San Marino
Tuesday 10 September 2024: Norway vs. Italy
Tuesday 15 October 2024: Italy vs. Ireland