Baldini: Mancini Could Call Up Several U21 Players, I Rooted for Frosinone Against Como

FolioPitch.com – 23 September 2026 | In a candid press conference at Coverciano on Tuesday, Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini revealed that several of his current Azzurrini stars could be promoted to Roberto Mancini’s senior squad for the next international break. The 63-year-old also explained why he rooted for Frosinone in their recent Serie A clash against Como, stating that Baldini Mancini could call up several U21 players I rooted for Frosinone against Como perfectly encapsulates his dual focus on youth development and Italian football identity.

Baldini, who had a brief interim spell in charge of the senior national team in June following Gennaro Gattuso’s departure and before Mancini’s appointment, believes that experience accelerated the growth of his U21 group. “This is a group that fills me with pride when we train and pride when we play,” he said. “It was a great feeling in June, and as a result of it, the guys in the U21s have matured faster.”

The U21s are preparing for two crucial 2027 European Championship qualifiers: against Armenia on October 1 and Poland on October 5. Italy sit second in their group, three points behind Poland, and cannot finish lower than second. A win against Poland could secure direct qualification as group winners, while the best runner-up across all groups also earns a direct spot. Currently, Italy are the best second-placed team, but several other matches remain. The eight other runners-up will enter a play-off round for the final four spots.

Baldini acknowledged that Mancini is well aware of the U21 talent pool. “Mancini knows this group very well. He knows which players could be useful to him, and I think that he’s left several of them with us because we have these important qualifying matches to play. So, maybe during the next break some of the guys who are here today could be with the senior national team.” The coach also noted that several U21 players could have been called up in September and October, and the likelihood remains high for the next window.

Beyond national team matters, Baldini expressed his delight at Frosinone’s surprising start to the Serie A season. The Ciociari sit sixth in the table, level on points with Milan and Juventus, and above Como and Atalanta. Baldini has called up five Frosinone players to his U21 squad, and he praised coach Massimiliano Alvini’s remarkable journey from amateur football to Serie A. “Alvini’s is a great story: Somebody who started in the amateur leagues and has now made it all the way up to Serie A. They’re not just winning, but winning in an extraordinary way,” Baldini said.

When asked about Frosinone’s recent match against Como, Baldini admitted he supported the home side. “On Sunday, they faced one of the best teams in Serie A, Como. I have nothing against Como, but I supported Frosinone. I rooted for Alvini because I feel that ‘our’ football is better represented by Frosinone than it is by Como, not for any other reason.” This sentiment echoed his earlier remark that Baldini Mancini could call up several U21 players I rooted for Frosinone against Como, highlighting his belief in homegrown talent and traditional Italian football values.

Baldini’s pride in Frosinone’s achievements is intertwined with his U21 project. “I’m happy, we have five players from Frosinone, and they know that in order to stay at the top, they have to continue dreaming and working hard. Nothing is impossible.” The five Frosinone players in the U21 squad are a testament to the club’s youth development and Baldini’s willingness to reward strong domestic performances.

The upcoming qualifiers will be a litmus test for Italy’s young stars. With Poland leading the group, a victory on October 5 could seal automatic qualification. Baldini’s squad has been together for several camps, and the coach emphasized the importance of the next 10 days. “The next 10 days will allow us to pay more attention to certain details by focusing on certain elements that are usually tougher to organise in a shorter period of time.”

As the international break approaches, all eyes will be on whether Mancini raids the U21 squad for senior reinforcements. Baldini’s comments suggest that the transition is not only possible but likely. The synergy between the two levels of the national team is crucial for Italy’s future success, and Baldini’s dual pride in Frosinone and his U21 charges underscores a unified football philosophy.

In conclusion, Silvio Baldini’s tenure with the Italy U21 side is marked by a clear vision: develop players for the senior team while celebrating the clubs that nurture them. His support for Frosinone against Como was not just a passing fancy but a statement about the kind of football he values. As the U21s gear up for decisive qualifiers, the potential call-ups to Mancini’s squad add an extra layer of motivation. For Baldini, the ultimate reward is seeing his players succeed at the highest level, whether in an Azzurrini shirt or the famous blue of the senior national team. The coming weeks will reveal just how many of his protégés make the leap, but one thing is certain: Baldini Mancini could call up several U21 players I rooted for Frosinone against Como will remain a defining narrative of this international window.