The Azzurre are looking to go again and will kick off the year with some stern tests in preparation for the World Cup. Milena Bertolini is ready to lead the team to England for the second edition of the Arnold Clark Cup, which will kick off on Thursday 16 February. As well as Italy and the hosts, Belgium and South Korea will also take part.

The opening day will take place at MK Stadium in Milton Keynes. Italy kick off at 16:45 local time against Belgium, the only one of the four participants not to have qualified for the World Cup and who Italy lost to (1-0) in the Euros last summer. They then have a big game against hosts, and reigning European champions, England on Sunday 19 at the Coventry Building Society Arena (15:15 local time) before travelling to Ashton Gate in Bristol on Tuesday 22nd to take on South Korea (16:45 local time).

Milena Bertolini has selected a squad of 26 players for the tournament. The group will meet at Coverciano on Sunday evening to start training. Midfielder Emma Severini (2003) has received her first call-up and, exactly one year on from her last selection, Sassuolo’s Benedetta Orsi returns to the fold following a knee injury. The team will train on Monday before departing for London, with a subsequent transfer to Milton Keynes, the following day.

Stefano Braghin is Italy Women’s new Head of Delegation. 

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Federica Cafferata (Fiorentina), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Benedetta Orsi (Sassuolo), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Marta Mascarello (Milan), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Attackers: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Sampdoria), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Martina Piemonte (Milan), Elisa Polli (Inter), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).