BRATISLAVA (UEFA / SFA) - The team first competed on home soil in 2000, finishing fourth under coach Dušan Radolský – a result that secured a historic spot at the Sydney Olympics.
Seventeen years later, a new generation led by Milan Škriniar and Stanislav Lobotka came close to repeating that success. However, they were controversially denied a place in the semi-finals. In what many remember as a dramatic end to the group stage, Italy and Germany played a match where both teams knew a narrow Italian win would see them both progress. That’s exactly what happened – much to the frustration of Slovakia.
Now, eight years on, a new Slovak squad has the chance to set the record straight against Italy. At this year’s EURO U21, Slovakia will face Italy, Spain, and Romania in the group stage.
While Spain and Italy are the clear favourites to progress, Slovakia shouldn't be underestimated. The team features high-potential players from top European leagues, including Tomáš Suslov, Adam Obert, and Feyenoord talent Leo Sauer. Rising star Tomáš Rigo, who helped Baník Ostrava qualify for the UEFA Europa League, is also attracting attention – with experts predicting a major transfer soon. Forwards Adam Kaprálik and Nino Marcelli are among the players to watch, with Marcelli reportedly drawing interest from AC Milan after scoring against them in the UEFA Youth League.
With a strong spine that includes dependable goalkeeper Ľubomír Belko and the energy of a home crowd, head coach Jaroslav Kentoš’s squad has the tools to push for qualification. Their first test? Spain – the 2023 finalists.
It’s important to note that the UEFA U21 EURO does not fall within an official FIFA international window. With the tournament overlapping with the UEFA Nations League finals, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and the FIFA Club World Cup, many top-tier stars will not be available in Slovakia.
Spain, for instance, will be without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Initially, it seemed that Barcelona’s Fermín López – who won both the senior EURO and Olympic gold last year – would be the marquee name. However, due to a packed schedule, he too has been left out by head coach Santi Denia.
Still, Spain brings a formidable squad. Defender Gerard Martín has already made 42 appearances for FC Barcelona, and several other players regularly feature in La Liga. Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera holds the highest market value in the squad at €30 million.
Italy also arrive with a talent-packed team. According to Transfermarkt, eight players in the Italian squad are valued at over €10 million. And that’s despite the absence of Francesco Pio Esposito due to injury. The 19-year-old striker was Italy’s top scorer in qualifying and netted 19 goals in Serie B this season, nearly leading Spezia back to the top flight.
While Spain and Italy are each chasing their sixth U21 EURO title, Romania returns for its fifth appearance. Their best result came in 2019, when they reached the semi-finals.
Much of the pre-tournament talk surrounding Romania focused on top domestic league scorer Louis Munteanu. The CFR Cluj forward, who bagged 25 goals this season, is reportedly the subject of a €15 million bid from a La Liga side. However, Munteanu will join the U21 squad late, as he was called up by senior team coach Mircea Lucescu for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He’s expected to play only the match against Austria in Vienna before joining his U21 teammates.
