Italy U21 coach Baldini takes interim charge of senior team

Italy's under-21 coach Silvio Baldini will take charge of the senior side for two friendlies in June, the FIGC national football federation said on Friday.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned from the job last week after Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third time in succession, following a penalty shot-out defeat to Bosnia in a qualification play-off match.

They will play away to Luxembourg on June 3 before taking on Greece in Heraklion four days later.

"For their return to the pitch in June, the Nazionale will be led by Silvio Baldini," FIGC said in a brief statement.

Baldini, who has been in the under-21s role since last July, is known for his unorthodox training methods.

Last October, the former Palermo, Parma and Empoli boss made the under-21s train with eye patches on to help improve their concentration.

Italy will not name a new full-time coach until after the FIGC presidential elections in June.

Previous incumbant Gabriele Gravina also resigned following Italy's latest World Cup qualification failure.

Gattuso was in his role for less than a year.

The new coach will be Italy's fourth since June 2023.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte, who previously was at the Italy helm from 2014-16, is the FIGC's preferred candidate, according to the Italian press.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis suggested last week that he would be willing to release Conte early from his contract, which expires in 2027.