It’s been a difficult start to the Under-21 training camp involving both the A and B teams, who are currently in Tirrenia ahead of the three matches awaiting the Azzurrini over a seven-day period. They’re important fixtures too: at stake is a place at the European Championship. Indeed, the Under-21 National Team are set to play their final three European qualifying fixtures, starting with a trip to Reykjavik to face Iceland on Thursday 12 November (14:15 CET). This match was postponed a month ago by UEFA, with the Icelandic authorities requesting that the Italian camp enter quarantine following three positive COVID-19 cases (two players and a member of staff).

The Azzurrini will then take to the pitch in Differdange on Sunday 15 November (17:30 CET) to face Luxembourg, while Sweden will be the visitors to the Stadio Arena Garibaldi-Romeo Anconetani in Pisa on Wednesday 18 November – Italy’s final group match.

In response to the difficult time that the whole country and the world of football are going through as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIGC has decided to establish an Under-21 B side alongside the Under-21 National Team for these fixtures. The two teams, who will be coached by Alberto Bollini and Paolo Nicolato respectively, will work together synergistically, with Maurizio Viscidi, National Youth Team Coordinator, coordinating matters. The aim is to promptly respond to any needs that may arise.

Over the past few hours, Head Coach Nicolato has lost Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has been called up to the senior side. Meanwhile, Empoli defender Nicolò Casale and Spezia midfielder Giulio Maggiore are no longer available. Giuseppe Cuomo, Sebastiano Esposito and Tommaso Pobega have joined up with the Under-21 A team from the B team, while Luca Ranieri, who made the step up to Nicolato’s side yesterday, is no longer involved.

As regards the B team, Head Coach Bollini has called up Gianluca Gaetano (Cremonese), Ludovico Gelmi (Atalanta), Gian Marco Crespi (Crotone), Filippo Delli Carri (Juventus), Paolo Gozzi Iweru (Juventus) and Destiny Udogie (Hellas Verona). Bettella Davide (Monza) has returned to his club.

The following players remain in self-isolation:

Under-21 A team: Federico Brancolini (Fiorentina), Claud Adjapong (Lecce), Marco Carraro (Frosinone), Patrick Cutrone (Fiorentina), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)

Under-21 B team: Stefano Turati (Sassuolo), Pietro Beruatto (Vicenza), Christian Dalle Mura (Fiorentina).