One month after the victory that sealed qualification to a second consecutive World Cup, never before achieved, the Azzurre are soon to be back in action as they turn their attention to preparing for the tournament, scheduled to be played in Australia and New Zealand next Summer. On Monday 10 October, at 18:30 CEST (live on Rai 2), the stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genova will play host to a friendly game with Brazil, last faced in a 2019 World Cup match that was decided by a penalty from the Seleção's all-time leading goalscorer, Marta (111 goals).

“Never has defeat been so sweet," declared Head Coach Milena Bertolini this morning in her interview at the Social Football Summit. The event, dedicated to innovation and digital transformation in the Football Industry, offered her the occasion to speak about the recent past and, above all, the new challenges facing Italy in the future, starting off with the test against the Brazilians, currently 9th in the world FIFA rankings: "We'll be up against a really strong side, it'll be an important test that'll tell us where we're at. Next year, we're going to be having lots of friendlies against some top-quality sides, which we weren't able to do in the build-up to the Euros, due to COVID. The Federation's project is to create one single group that combines the First Team and the Under-23s together. In this way, we'll be able to bring in new, and different, players."  

Starting from the premise that “a game played without women is poorer", the Head Coach spoke about the huge importance the Women's First Team has for the development of the game. "We play a fundamental role and the girls now are role models for the younger generations. Becoming professional helps to show that there is a future and I'm sure it will give a further boost to women's football. I wish for it to continue to bring serenity, joy and motivation, which were the key ingredients for our great World Cup run, during which we went beyond our expectations."

Ruled out three years ago because of injury, Salvai is hoping to be part of the squad at the next tournament after being sidelined for over a year due to a cruciate ligament injury in the left knee. She will finally meet up again with her teammates at Coverciano, alongside 24 others who have been called up by Bertolini for the game with Brazil. Besides the Juventus defender, there are also returns for Merlo and Polli, promoted from the Under-23s, just as Viola striker Catena has, who for the second time running will be in the squad. Despite the numerous absentees, starting from captain Gama, the Head Coach has recuperated Bergamaschi and Cernoia from the September missing list, who have both fully recovered from their respective injuries.

Media Accreditation. Media outlets are informed that they have until Friday 7 October to submit their request for attending the game in Genova against Brazil. This can only be done online at www.accreditations.figc.it and only by those who have registered the FIGC's Accreditations registration site.

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Francesca Durante (Inter), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Roma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Alice Tortelli (Fiorentina);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus);

Forwards: Agnese Bonfantini (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Elisa Polli (Inter).