Baldini to take charge of Azzurri for two friendly matches in June.
Italy’s Under-21 head coach Silvio Baldini has been appointed as interim manager of the senior national side, following a turbulent period for Italian football that saw both the head coach and federation president resign in quick succession.
Gennaro Gattuso stood down after Italy were eliminated on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina, missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
His departure came shortly after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina also resigned for the same reason – it was Gravina who had originally appointed Gattuso.
The FIGC confirmed that Baldini will take charge of the Azzurri for two friendly matches in June: away to Luxembourg on 3 June, and against Greece on the island of Crete on 8 June.
Baldini will be assisted by his Under-21 coaching staff, and is expected to rely heavily on Under-21 players for the squad selection, according to the Corriere dello Sport.
Baldini, 67, has been the Under-21 coach since July 2025, and has previously managed several Serie A clubs, including Empoli, Parma, Lecce and Catania.
In the lower divisions, he achieved notable promotions with Palermo in 2023 and Pescara this year, earning them promotion to Serie B. Under his guidance, the Under-21 side won eight of their nine matches.
Baldini is also known for his volatile temper and for disciplinary incidents on the touchline, having received bans in 2001 for swearing and in 2008 after kicking the opposing team’s coach.
A permanent successor is not expected to be named imminently. A new permanent head coach will likely be appointed after 22 June, when the FIGC Federal Council is due to convene to elect a new federation president.
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