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Italy have unveiled a new training method as their national federation keeps one eye on the future.
The Italian Under-21 squad were pictured training with eye patches during a session at their base on Sunday, ahead of their latest European Championship qualifiers.
Images shared by the national federation showed youngsters Davide Bartesaghi and Luca Lipani battling for possession, with each player having a patch over one eye.
Goalkeeper Tommaso Martinelli was also seen training with a patch covering his right eye.
The unusual session was overseen by Italian Under-21 head coach Silvio Baldini, who was appointed in the summer.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Baldini has devised short, twenty minute sessions, which have been divided into three parts.
Italy's Under-21 side were pictured training with eye patches at their base in Cesena
The eye patches are used to help players boost concentration and their peripheral vision
It is claimed players are also forced to use their minds and bodies more during the training
The first part sees players have the patch over their dominant eye, the one typically connected to strongest hand or foot.
The patch is then switched to the other eye, before the final stage of the session has it removed completely.
It is claimed the patch led to players having to concentrate hard during technical sessions, improving speed, reflexes and their peripheral vision, with the belief it will also reduce fatigue in matches when they benefit from having 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 told Gazzetta in September.
Baldini had previously used the training method when he coached, Palermo, Crotone and Pescara.
The veteran coach had led Pescara to promotion from Serie C last season, before resigning from his role.
Speaking last year, Baldini explained that he had considered using patches after 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.
Veteran coach Silvio Baldini oversaw the session and used patches at his recent club sides
Baldini adopted the coaching method after watching a boxer train using an eye patch
Liverpool goalkeepers were seen in high-tech goggles during pre-season training in 2024
‘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, speaking on television last year, revealed it was one of several innovate training methods overseen by the head coach.
‘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 previously been attempted, with Liverpool goalkeepers pictured in pre-season training in 2024 wearing high-tech training goggles.
The goggles were designed to limit peripheral vision, in a bid 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, before facing Armenia next week.
