The interim manager: “Unfortunately in football they give you labels, but the road to get here was long and tortuous. I hope I have made the transition from Under 21 to the senior national team easier”
Two games as coach, two victories and zero goals conceded. Silvio Baldini presents himself to the microphones of Rai Sport with a big smile and the pride of someone who was able to make a choice against the grain, rewarded by the best possible result. And so, after the victory over Luxembourg, comes the victory over Greece. Still 1-0. This is his comment at the end of the match: “I’m happy because I didn’t give out random compliments after Luxbourg, I did it because I know the value of these guys. The thing I’m most happy about – continues the coach – is that they understood that having rules is a resource, not a punishment: they have acquired important maturity for their growth path. Then I hoped they would also have a bit of luck to gain confidence and that’s what happened.”
“I’m not a runaway”
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After the defeat against Bosnia, Baldini’s management brought serenity back to Italy. So much so that now there is talk of him as a possible man of the Italian rebirth, in the wake of what other European national teams have done: “Remain coach? I thank you for the certificate of esteem, but I’m only interested in doing my job well. Then in football, unfortunately, they give you labels that are difficult to remove: I hope I’ve shown that I’m not exactly a runaway from home… It’s true, destiny gave me this incredible opportunity, but the road to get there was long and tortuous. I did that who asked me, now the future doesn’t depend on me…”. In conclusion, a thought for the Under 17 champion of Europe: “Our family, Italy, works with principles and all the youth sectors have always done well, as demonstrated by tonight’s success. The problem has often been the step between the Under 21 and the senior national team. I hope that from now on the road will be less steep…”