Italian football needs a new generation of talented players, and two Serie A coaches are showing how that future can be built. Cristian Chivu and Cesc Fabregas have received praise from Italy Under-21 head coach Silvio Baldini for their willingness to give young footballers opportunities at the highest level.
Baldini believes that developing young talent must become a priority if Italian football wants to improve its long-term competitiveness. In his view, coaches who trust emerging players can make a significant contribution to the future of the national game.
The Inter Milan manager and the Como head coach have both been recognised for creating opportunities for younger members of their squads. Baldini hopes their approach will encourage more Serie A coaches to follow the same path.
His comments come as Italy Under-21 prepare for the next stage of their international development after securing qualification for the final tournament of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Silvio Baldini Highlights the Importance of Young Players
Baldini believes that giving young players opportunities is one of the most important steps towards improving Italian football.
The Italy Under-21 coach has called for greater courage from clubs and managers when deciding whether to trust emerging talents. He argues that meaningful reform must include a stronger commitment to developing the next generation.
Speaking about the challenges facing Italian football, Baldini explained that he had accepted his coaching role with enthusiasm and welcomed the attention surrounding the country’s current situation.
“Young players are very important for our football. I accepted this job with great enthusiasm. I also want to thank the media for talking so much about Italian football being in a difficult situation,” Baldini said, as quoted by Football Italia on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
He believes the solution requires structural changes and a greater willingness to give opportunities to younger footballers.
“The way out of this situation is through reform and having more courage in using young players,” he added.
For Baldini, improving Italian football is not simply about producing talented individuals. It also requires creating an environment where those players can gain experience, develop their abilities and compete regularly.
Why Cristian Chivu and Cesc Fabregas Have Impressed Baldini
Baldini specifically highlighted Cristian Chivu and Cesc Fabregas as examples of coaches making a positive impact on Italian football.
Chivu, who manages Inter Milan, and Fabregas, who leads Como, have both demonstrated a willingness to trust young players.
Baldini believes their coaching qualities go beyond team selection. He praised their ability to teach players, establish clear standards and create an environment where younger footballers can develop.
“The response we are seeing at club level is quite positive. I am thinking of Chivu at Inter and Fabregas at Como. They are talented coaches who are good for football because they can teach players, establish rules and are not afraid to give young players opportunities,” Baldini explained.
His comments underline the importance of coaching philosophy in youth development.
Young players need more than occasional appearances to make progress. They also need guidance, clear expectations and the confidence of their managers.
In Baldini’s view, Chivu and Fabregas are providing an example of how those principles can be applied within Serie A.
Baldini Wants More Serie A Coaches to Follow Their Example
The Italy Under-21 coach hopes the positive approach shown by Chivu and Fabregas will influence other managers across the Italian top flight.
He believes that coaches who invest in young talent are helping the national game build a stronger foundation for the future.
“This is a period when coaches like them are making a major contribution to the development of Italian football. We are fortunate to have them working in Serie A. Now I hope other coaches will follow their example,” Baldini said.
The message is particularly important for Italian clubs, where competition for results can sometimes make managers reluctant to take risks with inexperienced players.
However, giving young footballers opportunities can benefit both clubs and the national team.
Regular first-team experience helps emerging talents improve their tactical understanding, decision-making and confidence. It also gives national team coaches a wider pool of players to consider.
Italy Under-21 Prepare for Tests Against France and Belgium
Italy Under-21 have already secured qualification for the final tournament of the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.
Before the competition, Baldini’s side are scheduled to face two strong opponents in international friendlies.
The upcoming fixtures are:
- Italy U-21 vs France U-21: Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Italy U-21 vs Belgium U-21: Monday, November 16, 2026.
The matches will provide valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess their players against high-level opposition.
They will also help the team continue developing its identity ahead of the European Championship.
Meanwhile, several young Italian footballers have already received opportunities to join the senior national team for the final two UEFA Nations League fixtures against France and Belgium.
Among the emerging talents mentioned are:
- Alphadjo Cisse, an AC Milan forward.
- Mattia Liberali, a Como player.
- Simone Lontani, a Parma striker.
- Honest Ahanor, a Crystal Palace defender.
Other young players have already made the step up to the senior national team. They include Michael Kayode of Brentford, Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia and Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma.
Their progress reflects the growing importance of providing opportunities for young Italian footballers at both club and international level.
Youth Development Could Shape the Future of Italian Football
Baldini’s praise for Chivu and Fabregas highlights a broader discussion about the future of Italian football.
Developing young players requires patience, strong coaching and a willingness to trust talent before it becomes fully established.
The examples set by Inter Milan and Como could encourage other Serie A clubs to give emerging footballers more responsibility.
For Italy, the benefits could extend beyond individual clubs. A stronger pathway from youth football to senior competition would give the national team more options and help create a deeper pool of experienced players.
Chivu and Fabregas may be working at different clubs, but Baldini believes they share an important quality: the courage to invest in young talent.
If more Italian coaches adopt that philosophy, it could become an important step towards strengthening the country’s footballing future.
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