Italy’s first opponent will be Slovenia: “They’re a tough team to face,” Di Biagio went on to say, “We have many players who have already taken part in senior teams’ training camps, but we still have to have clear in mind that our main goal is to prepare our players for the senior team and make them ready as soon as possible for Conte’s squad.”
The tactical line-up and the starting XI have yet to be decided. “My ideal system is a 4-3-3 formation, but I am well aware that my players are very familiar with a 4-4-2 system: The main difference between club and national team is the time you have at your disposal. I will try out many different solutions in the next few days and will then decide how the team will line up.” Squad
Goalkeepers: Alessio Cragno (Cagliari), Ivan Provedel (Modena), Simone Scuffet (Como);
Defenders: Antonio Barreca (Cagliari), Arturo Calabresi (Livorno), Andrea Conti (Atalanta), Alex Ferrari (Bologna), Nicola Murru (Cagliari), Alessio Romagnoli (Milan), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Lorenzo Venuti (Brescia); Francesco Vicari (Novara);
Midfielders: Marco Benassi (Torino), Danilo Cataldi (Lazio), Bryan Cristante (Benfica), Rolando Mandragora (Pescara), Augustin Jose Mauri (Milan), Valerio Verre (Pescara);
Forwards: Federico Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), Kingsley Boateng (Bari), Alberto Cerri (Cagliari), Nicolò Fazzi (Virtus Entella), Gaetano Monachello (Atalanta), Daniele Verde (Frosinone).
Staff: Giancarlo Antognoni (head of delegation); Vincenzo Marinelli (delegate); Maurizio Viscidi (vice coordinator youth national teams); Luigi Di Biagio (coach); Carmine Nunziata (assistant coach); Emiliano Cozzi (secretary); Antonio Chimenti (goalkeepers coach); Vito Azzone (sport trainer); Angelo De Carli and Carmine Costabile (doctors); Enzo Paolini and Guido Mauro Ferrini (masseur); Claudio Gagliardi and Emilio Basili (warehouse workers) The schedule (time all CEST) Tuesday 1st September
10.00  – training (closed to the press)
13.15 – meeting with press (the coach)
17.00 – training (open to the press) Wednesday 2nd September
10.00 – training (closed to the press)
17.00 – training (closed to the press) Thursday 3rd September
17.00 – practice game, U21s vs Lupa Roma
after the game meeting with the press.
                   
Friday 4th September
17.00 – training (closed to the press) Saturday 5th September
13.15 – meeting with press (players)
17.00 – training (open to the press) Sunday 6th September
10.00 – training (closed to the press)
16.05 – travel by train from Rome to Reggio Emilia and check into Hotel “Dei Medaglioni”- Correggio (RE) Monday 7th September
13.00 – lunch
13.15 – meeting with press at the Hotel “Dei Medaglioni
19.00 – training at “Mapei – Città del Tricolore” stadium (open to the press for the first 15 minutes)
           
Tuesday 8th September
17.00 – Italy U21 vs Slovenia U21
at “Mapei – Città del Tricolore” stadium – RE              
After the game there will be a press conference with the players   ]]>