Italy have made history by naming a starting XI with an average age of just 21 years and 354 days, their youngest lineup since December 1912.
The match is scheduled to begin at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST) at the Stade de Luxembourg.
This fixture marks the first of two games under interim coach Silvio Baldini, who took charge following the World Cup play-off loss and Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation. Baldini, previously in charge of the Under-21 side, has stepped up to guide the senior team.
The Azzurri will travel to Greece on Sunday evening for their final game of the 2025–26 season.
Niccolò Pisilli recently celebrated scoring for Italy against Montenegro in the European Under-21 Championship qualifier, showcasing the young talent now being integrated into the senior setup.
Baldini has opted to call up several uncapped or less experienced players, offering them the chance to prove themselves at the international level.
As a result, the average age of Italy’s starting eleven stands at 21 years and 354 days.
The last time the Italian national team fielded a younger lineup was in December 1912, during a friendly against Austria, when the average age was recorded at 21 years and 308 days.
In Milan on March 14, 2026, Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter was seen warming up before the Serie A clash between Inter and Atalanta BC at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Among the entire squad, only four players — Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolò Pisilli, and Francesco Pio Esposito — have prior senior caps, highlighting the youthful nature of Baldini’s selection.
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