Italy's Under-21 Squad Faces Critical Euro 2027 Test Against North Macedonia

The Italy Under-21 national team faces North Macedonia in Empoli today with qualification stakes rising and coach Silvio Baldini banking on what he calls his "wonderful boys" to secure three crucial points in the race for Euro 2027. The match marks a rematch of November's hard-fought away encounter, when Italy scraped through with 10 men on the pitch—and this time, margin for error is minimal.

Why This Matters:

• Poland leads Group E with a perfect record after beating Italy 2-1 in Szczecin in November, applying pressure on the Azzurrini.

• Only 1 group winner advances directly to Euro 2027 out of 9 groups, plus the best second-placed team; the remaining 8 runners-up face playoffs.

• Italy must win this home match to stay in realistic contention for automatic qualification.

The Poland Problem and Path to Euro 2027

The Italy Football Federation's youth setup is chasing Poland in Group E, after a painful late collapse in November that saw the Poles overturn the match in the final 10 minutes. Poland now sits at the summit with maximum points, turning what looked like a comfortable qualification route into a tense pursuit. Under the tournament format, direct passage to Euro 2027 is reserved for the 9 group winners and the single best second-place finisher across all groups—meaning 8 other runners-up will be forced into two-legged playoff ties for the remaining berths.

For Baldini's squad, today's fixture against North Macedonia at Empoli's Stadio Carlo Castellani is effectively a must-win. Anything less than three points would widen the gap to Poland and raise the specter of playoff qualification, a riskier and less certain path for a team with ambitions of competing at the continental finals. The margin between smooth progression and playoff drama is razor-thin, and the coach is acutely aware that "there are no easy matches" in international youth football.

Echoes of November: When 10 Men Survived

The first meeting between these sides, played away in North Macedonia in November, offered a blueprint of resilience but also a warning. Just 25 minutes into the match, Italy was reduced to 10 men following a red card, leaving Baldini's side to navigate more than an hour with a numerical disadvantage. The breakthrough came from Marianucci's volley off a free kick, a moment of quality that unlocked a tightly contested fixture. Italy held on, but the victory was uncertain until the final whistle, a testament to North Macedonia's ability to press and exploit set pieces.

That match was only Baldini's second in charge of the Under-21 side, and the result—though positive—highlighted the tactical discipline required when facing Balkan opposition. North Macedonia's game plan revolves around a 4-4-2 formation with long balls to wingers who attack space in behind, using a forward pairing that blends a traditional striker with a second, more mobile attacker operating between the lines. Baldini noted in his pre-match briefing that while the opposition has clear technical qualities, "it also depends on how we approach them."

Baldini's Faith in His "Divine Gift"

At the eve-of-match press conference, Silvio Baldini chose warmth over caution, describing his players as "stupendous, marvelous boys who enjoy being together." The Tuscan coach, known for his passionate touchline presence and tactical pragmatism, painted a picture of a cohesive, ambitious group: "You see them wanting to grow, laughing, joking, staying positive—and at the same time, they are very professional. For a coach, this is a divine gift."

It's an unusual tone in the high-stakes world of international football, where managers often default to cautious platitudes. But Baldini's approach reflects confidence in the squad's mental resilience and technical capacity. Joining him at the presser was AC Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi, who echoed the upbeat sentiment: "We've trained well these past few days. I feel I have more confidence and experience compared to the first call-up in September. We're a strong team, with belief."

Bartesaghi's comment underscores the developmental arc at play. Many of these players were new to the Under-21 setup just months ago; now, with several caps and a difficult away win under their belts, they are maturing into a unit capable of handling pressure.

What This Means for Italian Football

Youth development remains a cornerstone of Italy's football identity, particularly after the senior team's failures to qualify for consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022. The Under-21 program is not just a feeder system—it's a proving ground for tactics, character, and the next generation of Serie A talent. Bartesaghi (Milan), Marianucci, and others in this squad are already rotating into first-team squads at top clubs, and their progress at international level feeds directly into the broader health of Italian football.

A smooth qualification to Euro 2027—ideally as group winners—would provide continuity, competitive rhythm, and visibility for these emerging talents. A playoff route, by contrast, introduces risk: two matches against a motivated opponent, with the possibility of missing the tournament entirely. For a football nation still rebuilding its global standing, that would be a setback.

Tactical Keys and Empoli Advantage

Playing at Empoli's Stadio Carlo Castellani gives Italy a home crowd and familiar conditions, both valuable commodities in a match where nerves could determine outcomes. Baldini's game plan will likely emphasize controlling possession in midfield, denying North Macedonia the opportunity to launch their trademark long balls, and exploiting width to isolate the visitors' full-backs. Set pieces—both defensive and offensive—will be crucial, given Marianucci's match-winner in November came from a dead-ball situation.

Baldini must also manage squad rotation intelligently. The Under-21 calendar is congested, and player availability fluctuates based on club commitments. Maintaining freshness without sacrificing cohesion is a delicate balance, particularly when chasing Poland's perfect record.

If Italy secures the win today, the group race remains alive. If they stumble, the playoff lottery looms closer. For Baldini and his "wonderful boys," the stakes are clear: win, and keep the dream of automatic qualification alive. Lose, and the margin for error vanishes entirely.