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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: ItalyCategory: Scores & Results

Italy interim coach has squad train with eye patches ahead of Greece match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 5:25 PM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

Italy interim coach has squad train with eye patches ahead of Greece match
Summary

Silvio Baldini, named interim coach for Italy's friendly against Greece, initiated training sessions where players wore eye patches. This unusual approach follows his debut in charge, leading to a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg. Baldini introduced 15 debutants in that match and acknowledged the need for improvement in performance. The 67-year-old's squad has an average age of just over 20 years, with only Gianluigi Donnarumma being older than 20. Marco Palestra is ruled out for the upcoming game due to injury. Greece, meanwhile, missed out on World Cup qualification and is facing pressure after a lackluster run of results.

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Status Watch
  • •Silvio Baldini is Italy's interim coach for two friendlies after Gennaro Gattuso's resignation.
  • •Italy won 1-0 against Luxembourg with 15 debutants in the squad.
  • •Baldini's training included players wearing eye patches to improve focus.
  • •Marco Palestra is injured and will not play against Greece.
  • •Greece finished third in their group and did not qualify for the World Cup play-offs.
Latest Updates
  • 5:25 PMYahoo Sports — Interim Italy coach raises eyebrows with eye patches
What they're saying
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Italy’s interim coach Silvio Baldini raised a few eyebrows as he prepared for Sunday's friendly with Greece. The national under-21 coach has taken the top job temporarily for two matches after Gennaro Gattuso resigned following their failure to reach the World Cup.

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