Innovative Training Methods in Italy’s Under-21 Squad
Italy’s national football federation has introduced a novel training approach aimed at preparing the future stars of the team. This method was recently showcased by the Italian Under-21 squad during a training session at their base on Sunday, ahead of their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
The training involved players wearing eye patches, which sparked curiosity and interest among fans and media alike. Images shared by the national federation depicted young players such as Davide Bartesaghi and Luca Lipani competing for possession, each with a patch over one eye. Additionally, goalkeeper Tommaso Martinelli was seen training with a patch covering his right eye.
This unique training session was overseen by Silvio Baldini, the newly appointed head coach of the Italian Under-21 team. According to reports from Gazzetta Dello Sport, Baldini has structured these sessions into three parts, each lasting twenty minutes. The first part involves players wearing a patch over their dominant eye, typically the one connected to their strongest hand or foot. The patch is then switched to the other eye, and finally removed completely in the last stage.
Baldini explained that this method encourages players to concentrate more during technical sessions, enhancing their speed, reflexes, and peripheral vision. It is believed that this training could also help reduce fatigue during matches when players have full vision.
“I want to encourage the boys to look at the field not just with their eyes, but with their minds and bodies,” Baldini said in an interview with Gazzetta in September.
Baldini had previously used this training method when coaching Palermo, Crotone, and Pescara. He led Pescara to promotion from Serie C last season before resigning from his role. Speaking about his decision to use patches, Baldini mentioned that he was inspired by watching a boxer train.
“The precise reason for the training? I don’t have the scientific basis to explain certain things to you properly, and I prefer not to say anything inaccurate,” Baldini told Il Pescara.
“I was coaching Catania, I went to see a boxer in Syracuse. He used patches, I was intrigued and did some research. And I started to propose that method too. If we weren’t first [in the league], I would have exposed myself to criticism by using bandages on the pitch. Not that I care, but it would have protected the boys. In any case, we’ll do it again.”
Pescara midfielder Antonino De Marco revealed that Baldini’s methods included several innovative techniques. “With his way of training, Baldini has entered our minds, we listen to him and follow his instructions,” De Marco said.
“With this coach we are working hard and intensely, also using innovations like swimming pools and other new training methods. For example, we all trained blindfolded, it was not easy, but the coach told us that this helps us visually, because when you get the ball you are more focused on control and you improve technically.”
Similar methods have been attempted in other teams, including Liverpool goalkeepers who wore high-tech training goggles during pre-season in 2024. These goggles were designed to limit peripheral vision, aiming to improve their reactions and hand-eye coordination.
Italy’s under-21 side will be in action on Friday in their last European Championship qualifier against Sweden, followed by a match against Armenia next week.
