“Now, we need to win.” Milena Bertolini made her thoughts clear as she spoke ahead of the Azzurre’s third and final fixture in the Arnold Clark Cup, with the team set to face South Korea at Ashton Gate at 17:45 CET tomorrow. A victory would be so important for Italy, whose confidence has taken a hit from a few disappointing results in recent times.  

While there were undoubtedly some encouraging signs against Belgium and especially against the reigning European Champions England, a win - even if it’s ugly - would do Bertolini’s side the world of good: “I want to see a determined approach from the get-go,” said the Head Coach during her press conference today. “Even if we did well against England, we still need to show more of a ruthless edge and more focus; these are the main aspects we need to improve on. We need to carry on working to return to winning ways.”

Bertolini is hoping to see a compact, aggressive and courageous display, one where the team show the same spirit that, for spells, caused problems for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who were “forced to bring on their best players in the second half to avoid losing.” South Korea, who have been coached by Englishman Colin Bell since 2019, have lost their three previous encounters against Italy, and they’ll be looking to reverse the trend in order to avoid finishing in last place. The same applies to the Azzurre, who, more than anything, are looking to turn things around from a mental perspective: “Right now, the mood isn’t the best,” added Bertolini. “Winning would be vital, but I’m convinced that if you perform well, results will arrive sooner or later. We’ll be up against a dynamic and organised side who, despite perhaps being less experienced than the teams we’ve faced so far, are very tough opponents.”

On the ninth day of the training camp, the technical staff continued to try and get into the heads of the players, especially the youngest in the squad, and work on the team’s attitude, with the aim of avoiding a repeat of the early stages against Belgium. “Tomorrow, we’ll send out a few players who haven’t played as much; we’re using this tournament to see who is ready to play on a certain kind of stage. Some of the girls have surprised me and there are some real positives. Our World Cup squad is taking shape, but there is always the possibility of some last-minute additions.”

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), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forwards: 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).