Reports from Tuesday indicate that the Greek football federation is displeased with the proposal for Italy to field a squad primarily composed of Under-21 players for their scheduled June friendly. Some sources suggest this could lead to the cancellation of the match.
Is the Greece vs. Italy friendly at risk of cancellation?
The Italian national team, having not qualified for the 2026 World Cup, has two friendlies scheduled for early June: against Luxembourg on the 3rd and Greece on the 6th, both to be played away. Following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after the World Cup play-off final loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in late March, Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has been tasked with leading the senior squad for these friendlies.
Baldini is expected to select a squad largely, if not entirely, from his existing Under-21 players. While captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has reportedly made himself available, Baldini has stated his intention to “only call up players from the U21s.”
Although this approach has been met positively by many Italian fans, it has reportedly angered the Greek federation. Greece aims to provide its players with a competitive test against opponents of a certain caliber and experience to prepare for their Nations League campaign, which begins in September.
According to reports from TMW, representatives from the Greek and Italian federations have been in discussions since last week to “find a solution.” Tuesday’s reports suggest a risk that the match may not proceed. The parties must reach a swift resolution, as the game is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, and the window for arranging alternative friendly opponents is rapidly closing.
Greece has already announced its squad, and TMW notes that their official announcement only referred to participating in “June friendlies,” without explicitly mentioning a game against Italy.
Risks and Repercussions
The decision by the Italian football federation, under the guidance of interim coach Silvio Baldini, to utilize an Under-21 squad for their upcoming friendlies, including one against Greece, has sparked significant controversy. While the move might be popular among some Italian supporters eager to see emerging talent, it has deeply frustrated the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF).
Greece’s primary objective for these friendly matches is to gauge their team’s readiness and provide valuable experience against seasoned opposition ahead of their Nations League commitments. The prospect of facing an Italian side primarily comprised of young, less experienced players undermines this strategic preparation. The HFF views such a fixture as lacking the competitive edge necessary for effective World Cup qualification and Nations League campaign planning.
The situation has escalated to the point where the possibility of the match being called off entirely is now a serious consideration. Both federations are reportedly in ongoing dialogue to find a resolution. However, with the friendly scheduled in less than three weeks, time is of the essence. The HFF has already announced its squad for the June fixtures, and their official statement vaguely referred to “June friendlies” without confirming Italy as an opponent, hinting at potential contingency plans or a lack of firm agreement.
The lack of clarity and the disappointing nature of Italy’s proposed squad have cast a shadow over what was anticipated to be a significant international friendly, potentially jeopardizing the fixture and forcing Greece to scramble for an alternative opponent at short notice.
