Italy in deep crisis: Under-21 coach takes charge of the senior team in crucial June matches
The “squadra azzurra” is experiencing one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. Following the resounding failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced that Silvio Baldini, the Under-21 coach, will lead the senior team in the friendly matches scheduled for 3rd and 7th June, against Luxembourg and Greece, respectively. These matches, held at the Luxembourg Stadium and the Pankritio Stadium in Crete, come at a time of transition and uncertainty for Italian football.
Baldini, aged 67, will have the task of leading the team during a rebuilding phase, with the full support of his coaching staff, while the federation seeks a permanent replacement for Gennaro Gattuso. The former midfielder, who took the role in June 2025, replacing Luciano Spalletti, failed in the main objective: to return Italy to the World Cup, a competition from which they have been absent since 2014.
The defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-offs marked the low point of this era. After a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time, Italy succumbed 4-1 in the penalty shootout, sealing their third consecutive failure to qualify for a World Cup finals.
This disaster had immediate and profound consequences for the structure of Italian football. Gabriele Gravina, president of the FIGC since October 2018, announced his resignation following the humiliating elimination. Gravina, who was also vice-president of UEFA and a close associate of president Aleksander Ceferin, leaves a mixed legacy: the historic triumph at Euro 2020, but also two consecutive failures to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as an early exit at Euro 2024.
The crisis did not end there. Gianluigi Buffon, legendary goalkeeper and general manager of the national team, also stepped down, unable to bear Italy’s absence from the tournament that will take place between 11th June and 19th July 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The future of Italian football is at stake. With Baldini at the helm for these two particular challenges, the FIGC is attempting to appease a disillusioned nation and seek new directions for the “squadra azzurra”. The pressure is intense and the demand is high for Italy to once again dream of the world stages where they once reigned. The nation expects quick and effective answers – and the time to act is short.
