The excitement is growing for Italy vs. Switzerland, which could be the turning point in World Cup qualifying group G. “This international window, which sees us take on not only Switzerland tomorrow but also Romania on Tuesday, could be vital for us to make it to the World Cup,” said Milena Bertolini in her pre-match press conference. “Coming away from these two games with positive results would allow us to approach the rest of qualifying in a calmer manner.”

As well as the strength of tomorrow’s opposition, there are plenty more difficulties for the Azzurre given the numerous absentees - especially in midfield - due to injury and positive Covid cases. All of the challenges we’ve faced this week remind me of the run-up to the game in Portugal in the last World Cup qualifying campaign when we had a virus in the squad: with the game in the evening, I spent the morning not knowing who would be available… We have a few big absences tomorrow and a few players will need to adapt to fill the gaps but, when the will is there, you can overcome anything. I’ve been coaching these girls for a while and they’ve always given their all. Our aim is to get to the World Cup and the girls’ enthusiasm is certainly a big positive.”

 “Tomorrow’s game will be a difficult one,” said goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, who was present alongside Bertolini at the conference, “both from a physical and mental standpoint, because it probably won’t be a great pitch. We’ll approach this game with the mindset that sets us apart: aggression, alertness and teamwork.”

The Sicilian capital has responded with great enthusiasm to the call of the Azzurre, with 9,300 sold at the time of writing. “The choice to go to Palermo was just a casual one,” Bertolini said. “Two years ago, we received incredible support here; the crowd will be out twelfth man.”

 

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Francesca Durante (Inter), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);
Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Sara Gama (Juventus), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (Roma);
Midfielders: Norma Cinotti (Empoli), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Marta Teresa Pandini (Inter), Flaminia Simonetti (Inter);
Attackers: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Valeria Pirone (Roma), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).

Group G, standings*
Switzerland (4 games played) and Italy (4) 12 points, Romania (3) 6, Moldova (2), Lithuania (3) and Croatia (4) 0

* The first-place teams in each of the nine UEFA groups will qualify directly for the World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August 2023. The runners-up will go into playoffs to decide the final three European places.