Baldini: ‘I want Italy players to feel freedom’ in Greece friendly match

Interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini urges his young and untested squad to play with ‘freedom’ in tomorrow’s friendly match against Greece.

It kicks off in Heraklion on Sunday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

Francesco Pio Esposito celebrates scoring for Italy against Luxembourg (@optapaolo)

The tactician already gave 15 players their senior debuts in Wednesday’s 1-0 win in Luxembourg, which was decided by a goal from Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito.

Now he is likely to revamp the line-up once again to give even more youngsters a chance, telling them to cast off the shackles of pressure.

Baldini wants freedom for his Italy youngsters

The starting XI for Italy against Luxembourg (@Azzurri)

“I expect to see the same things we saw in Luxembourg, even if the opponents are of a different level this time around,” Baldini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I would like the lads to start the game relaxed, ready to prove their freedom doesn’t mean that they are not present in the match, but able to bring out all the technical quality at the disposal of the Italy side.”

Curiously, Lecce director of sport Pantaleo Corvino was in the Sky Sport studio, so Baldini revealed how far they go back to the semi-pro leagues.

“It’s good because we never worked together, so we had an honest relationship. I know he likes mushrooms, his daughter lives in Florence, so I bring them to her when we grow them on my farm.

“We are born poor, but with hopes and dreams, both of us started from the bottom and worked our way up.”