The former Inter, Roma and Lazio player took over from Devis Mangia last month and will mark his debut on the bench against the Slovaks.
Former coach Devis Mangia enjoyed a successful stint with the Azzurrini, including a runners-up finish at the recent U-21 European Championship.
Italy Under-21 squad for Slovakia:
Goalkeepers: Francesco Bardi (Livorno), Nicola Leali (Spezia), Mirko Pigliacelli (Pescara),
Defenders: Luca Antei (Sassuolo), Matteo Bianchetti (Hellas Verona), Cristiano Biraghi (Cittadella), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Reggina), Paolo Frascatore (Pescara), Alberto Masi (Ternana), Cristiano Piccini (Livorno), Stefano Sabelli (Bari),
Midfielders: Daniele Baselli (Atalanta), Cristian Damian Battocchio (Watford), Marco Benassi (Livorno), Lorenzo Crisetig (Crotone), Marco Ezio Fossati (Bari), Federico Viviani (Pescara)
Forwards: Samuele Longo (Inter), Andrea Belotti (Albinoleffe), Gianmario Comi (Novara), Francesco Fedato (Bari), Riccardo Improta (Chievo), Giammario Piscitella (Pescara), Matteo Politano (Pescara),