Two young Italy talents in line for debut opportunities against Greece

Italy are due to take on Greece in an international friendly on Sunday evening, and pre-match reports indicate that there will be opportunities for two new youngsters to make their full debuts for the Azzurri on the night.

Potential Italy debuts in store for Ahanor and Ekhator

Italy are under the leadership of interim head coach Silvio Baldini, who has been called in to take temporary charge following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso earlier this year. A new, permanent CT will not be appointed before the FIGC Presidential elections take place on June 22.

Baldini usually serves as head coach of Italy’s U21 side, and with the senior side having failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the interim head coach has decided to name a squad made up primarily of players he knows well from the youth set-up.

Of the 24 players that Baldini selected, only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolo Pisilli and Pio Esposito had previously been capped at senior level before this week’s round of international friendlies.

Baldini’s temporary reign in charge of the Italy national team began with a 1-0 win away against Luxembourg on Wednesday evening thanks to a lone strike from Inter’s Esposito.

PISA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Jeff Ekhator of Genoa CFC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Genoa CFC at Arena Garibaldi on April 19, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pre-match reports indicate that Esposito will lead the line again against Greece on Sunday, but he could be joined in the attack by Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator, who is in line to earn his national team debut on Sunday.

There could also be a full debut for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, who earned his first cap off the bench against Luxembourg on Wednesday. As things stand, Ahanor and Ekhator are the only two expected changes to Baldini’s side according to Sky Sport Italia.