Under-21 manager Silvio ‌Baldini to manage Italy in June friendlies after Gatustoo

Silvio ‌Baldini on the touchline
Silvio ‌Baldini on the touchlineGABRIELE MALTINTI / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Italy, who missed out on ⁠the World Cup finals for the third consecutive ‌time, will return to action ‌for two friendlies in ‌June, with Under-21 coach Silvio ‌Baldini taking charge of the ‌team for the fixtures against Luxembourg and Greece, ‌the Italian Football Federation ⁠said ‌on Friday.

Italy’s failure to qualify for ​this year's World Cup in North America ​resulted in Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina resigning ⁠amid political ​pressure and the country's former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stepping down as the team’s ‌delegation chief. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso also left his position.

Italy face Luxembourg away on June 3 before taking on Greece on June 7 in Crete.

The team will begin their campaign ‌in the fifth edition ​of the UEFA Nations League ‌in September, where they are in Group 1 of League A with France, Belgium and Turkey.