U21: new European two-year cycle begins, Titans on the pitch tomorrow against Latvia

The final details were refined during this afternoon’s Official Training Session at the Slokas Stadium, which tomorrow will host the Under-21 international between Latvia and San Marino. The young Biancoazzurri landed in Riga this morning before immediately heading to the town of Jurmala, located around 25 km from the Latvian capital. Tomorrow, for head coach Matteo Cecchetti and his squad, will mark the debut in the new European qualifying campaign, the one leading towards Slovakia 2025. After Latvia, the Under-21 National Team will be back in action in September for the clashes with Norway and Ireland. The last three-point outing for the Under-21s dates back to just over a year ago: Israel – San Marino on 7 June 2022. Latvia were also in the Titans’ group on that occasion. One of the two matches against the Baltic side – in particular the return fixture in San Marino – can only stir sweet memories for the team and especially for Matteo Cecchetti: “That draw is a result that will always remain etched in our minds,” said the Head Coach, “and recalling it today must give us the strength to keep believing in our work, to give our very best and to keep improving all the time. This new two-year cycle starts again in Latvia, an away trip that is anything but easy, given that they, with that 0-0 in mind, will probably be looking for ‘revenge’. However, I have great faith in my group. The team has prepared well, following an excellent build-up path for this match. I’d say we are ready to show our best, with the aim, as always, of being brave, of taking risks, of going out to get a result. In the last two-year cycle I took over from Costantini, having previously been his assistant. For me this feels like a second debut and starting a new qualifying cycle is something that makes me proud and emotional. Since September my staff and I have been working meticulously to prepare our lads for tomorrow’s game. Everything has been done in the best possible way: I am really fired up and I can’t wait for the match to begin.” Kick-off is at 18:00 local time, 17:00 in Italy. Compared to the last two-year cycle, the 2000 and 2001 age groups have now moved on. Lorenzo Lazzari is also among the players available to the Head Coach. First call-ups for Giambalvo, Mattia Sancisi, Guidi, Sarti, Dolcini, Nicolò Sancisi, Famiglietti, Sensoli and D’Addario. Here is the full list of players selected:

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