AFP, Rome

Italy’s under-21 coach Silvio Baldini will take charge of the senior side for two friendlies in June, the FIGC national football federation said on Friday.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned from the job last week after Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third time in succession, following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in a qualification playoff.

They will play away to Luxembourg on June 3 before taking on Greece in Heraklion four days later.

Baldini, who has been in the under-21s role since last July, is known for his unorthodox training methods.

Last October, the former Palermo, Parma, and Empoli boss made the under-21s train with eye patches on to help improve their concentration.

Italy will not name a new full-time coach until after the FIGC presidential elections in June.

Gattuso was in his role for less than a year.

The new coach will be Italy’s fourth since June 2023.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte, who previously was at the Italy helm from 2014-16, is the FIGC’s preferred candidate, according to the Italian press.