Italy’s interim coach unexpectedly ended his pre-match press conference ahead of Luxembourg after becoming emotional while recalling his daughter’s dog, a companion he described as a symbol of unconditional loyalty during his years away from football.
On the eve of his first match as interim head coach of Italy National Football Team, Silvio Baldini delivered a moment that had little to do with tactics and everything to do with the man behind the coach.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Italy’s friendly against Luxembourg National Football Team, Baldini was asked a seemingly simple question: who would he dedicate a victory to if the Azzurri were to win his debut match in charge?
The answer surprised everyone in the room.
Instead of mentioning a family member, a mentor, or a football figure who had influenced his career, Baldini chose Nebbia, the Maremma Sheepdog that belonged to his daughter.
“He Never Judged Me by Results”
The 67-year-old coach explained that the dog had been a constant presence during one of the most difficult periods of his life, when he spent six years away from coaching.
“People may find it strange,” Baldini said. “But I would dedicate it to a dog. During the years I was away from football, he never looked at me as a coach who needed results. He simply showed unconditional loyalty every day.”
As he continued speaking, the memories became increasingly difficult to contain.
The Memory That Broke Him
Baldini then shared a deeply personal reflection that transformed a routine press conference into an emotional moment.
“When my father passed away at 86, it was a natural death. Yet I don’t remember feeling the urge to cry as much as I do now thinking about that dog,” he said.
“Nebbia was actually my daughter’s dog. A beautiful Maremma Sheepdog.”
At that point, the emotion became overwhelming. Baldini paused several times, struggling to continue before eventually deciding to bring the press conference to an early close.
“I Need to Stop”
Recognizing that he could no longer continue, Baldini apologized to those present and explained why he wanted to stop.
“I’m sorry, but I need to stop because crying like this is becoming embarrassing,” he said.
He then acknowledged that such vulnerability is often viewed skeptically in professional football.
“Part of me is happy I told you this story. But I also know that in football there will be people who make fun of it or criticize it, and that would probably bring out a very angry side of me.”
The scene offered a rare glimpse into the personality of one of Italian football’s most unconventional figures. Throughout his career, Baldini has built a reputation for speaking openly and refusing to conform to football’s usual clichés, even when doing so exposes his own emotions.
Focus on Italy’s New Generation
Before the emotional conclusion, Baldini had spoken extensively about the young squad he will lead in friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.
His temporary Italy side is built largely around the core of the Under-21 national team, with Gianluigi Donnarumma serving as captain and senior leader.
“The players have trained exceptionally well,” Baldini said. “They’re a fantastic group.”
The coach also defended his decision to place trust in a new generation of players.
“These boys are the future of Italian football. If they are here, it’s because they deserve to be here and because they are the best options available right now.”
Letting the Players Play Freely
Baldini revealed that he deliberately avoided overloading his players with information about Luxembourg before the match.
“We haven’t spent time analyzing Luxembourg,” he explained. “Not because we underestimate them, but because I don’t want to put extra pressure on these young players. I want them to play freely.”
That philosophy reflects the approach Baldini hopes to bring to the national team: less fear, more responsibility, and complete trust in the talent of Italy’s emerging generation.
Yet on a night that was supposed to be about his tactical plans and his first match in charge, it was Baldini’s heartfelt tribute to Nebbia that became the defining image—a reminder that even in elite football, some of the strongest emotions come from far away from the pitch.
