Youngest Average Starting…

Youngest Average Starting…

Italy has made history by fielding a starting XI with an average age of 21 years and 354 days, marking the youngest lineup since December 1912.

The match is set to kick off at the Stade de Luxembourg at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).

Follow all the build-up and live action on the Liveblog.

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This marks the first of two matches for interim coach Silvio Baldini, who stepped in from the Under-21 squad following a disappointing World Cup play-off and Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation.

The Nazionale will also compete against Greece on Sunday evening before wrapping up for the 2025-26 season.

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Niccolò Pisilli celebrates a goal for Italy during the European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Montenegro (@azzurri).

Coach Baldini has opted for a lineup featuring mostly uncapped players, providing them with a chance to prove themselves at this level.

The current average age of the starting XI stands at 21 years and 354 days.

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The last time the Azzurri had a younger squad was during a friendly match against Austria in December 1912, when their average age was 21 years and 308 days.



MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Francesco Pio Esposito from Inter prepares for the Serie A match against Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In the squad, only four players have prior senior caps: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolò Pisilli, and Francesco Pio Esposito.