Silvio Baldini has discussed his side’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 European Championships, as the Italy U21s prepare to take on Albania and Poland in their crucial final pair of qualifiers this coming week.

The 2027 U21 European Championship will be a 16-team tournament, with 14 slots up for grabs along with co-hosts Albania and Serbia.

There are nine qualification groups for the U21 Euros. The nine group winners and the best runner up will qualify automatically for the final tournament. The remaining eight runners up will then progress to a play-off round to determine the final four spots in the tournament.

As things stand, Italy are in second place in qualification Group E, and are guaranteed to finish no lower than their current position heading into the final two matches of qualification.

The Azzurrini have won seven and lost one of their eight qualifying matches so far, but find themselves behind group leaders Poland, who have won all eight of their qualifying matches.

Fortunately for Baldini and his players, the Italy U21s are currently the best of the second-placed teams, which means that they are in with a strong chance of qualifying directly for the tournament even if they do not win their qualifying group.

Baldini had an opportunity to discuss his side’s progress during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s penultimate qualifier against Armenia, who have 0 points after eight matches this qualification campaign. The Italy U21s will take on group leaders Poland on Monday.

“The extra long break has helped us work well,” Baldini told reporters on Wednesday (via TMW ).