Italy have added Fiorentina defender Niccolò Fortini to their squad for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, expanding interim coach Silvio Baldini’s group to 25. The late call-up underscores Baldini’s intent to fast-track uncapped talent as the Nazionale rebuilds after the World Cup qualification collapse.
Fortini added to Italy squad for Luxembourg and Greece friendlies
Italy have confirmed Fiorentina Niccolò Fortini will remain with the national group and travel for Wednesday’s friendly in Luxembourg and the subsequent fixture in Greece. The decision increases Silvio Baldini’s roster to 25, a clear signal that the interim coach is prioritising playing opportunities for younger, largely uncapped players.
Immediate context: a squad in transition
With Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation leaving the head coach role vacant, Baldini — promoted from the Under-21s — is using these friendlies to broaden the pool. The matches come at a sensitive moment after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, making every appearance a chance to reshape personnel and identity.
Why Fortini’s inclusion matters
Fortini’s promotion from a training invite to a full call-up says as much about Baldini’s selection philosophy as it does about the defender. Fiorentina’s centre-back offers fresh defensive options and represents the kind of club-level form Baldini wants to test at senior international level. Keeping him with the group through both fixtures gives coaches time to assess temperament, tactical fit and adaptability to the national setup.
Baldini’s broader selection pattern
Baldini’s 25-man group is heavy on youth and uncapped names, reflecting a deliberate reset. Bringing multiple Under-21 prospects into the senior environment accelerates evaluation and helps identify players who can form the spine of the next cycle. That approach trades short-term continuity for long-term clarity — risky, but arguably necessary after a disappointing campaign.
Full 25-man squad for Luxembourg and Greece
Goalkeepers: Giovanni Daffara (Avellino), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Lorenzo Palmisani (Frosinone)
Defenders: Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), Davide Bartesaghi (Milan), Fabio Chiarodia (Borussia Monchengladbach), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Costantino Favasuli (Catanzaro), Niccolò Fortini (Fiorentina), Filippo Mane (Borussia Dortmund), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Luca Reggiani (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Tommaso Berti (Cesena), Matteo Dagasso (Venezia), Giacomo Faticanti (Juventus), Luca Lipani (Sassuolo), Cher Ndour (Fiorentina), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma)
Forwards: Francesco Camarda (Lecce), Luigi Cherubini (Sampdoria), Jeff Ekhator (Genoa), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Seydou Fini (Frosinone), Samuele Inacio (Borussia Dortmund), Luca Koleosho (Paris FC)
What to watch in Luxembourg and Greece
Expect Baldini to rotate heavily and prioritise observation over results. Defensive cohesion with new centre-back pairings, midfield balance when integrating young creators like Cher Ndour and Niccolò Pisilli, and how forwards adapt to senior tactical demands will be the main takeaways. Performances here could accelerate certain players’ paths to regular consideration.
Implications for Italy’s longer-term rebuild
These friendlies are less about immediate wins and more about inventory-taking. Fortini’s inclusion is emblematic: the coaching staff is prepared to reward club form and potential rather than default to established names.
If this experimental phase yields clear performers, the next permanent coach will inherit a more defined core. If not, Italy risk further churn — but given the nation’s recent failures, a bold reset is defensible.
Conclusion
Niccolò Fortini’s late addition is a small but telling move in Italy’s broader reconstruction.
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Baldini’s selection choices over the next week will reveal whether the Nazionale can convert youth promise into reliable senior options or whether further retooling will be required.
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