After the winning start against Wales, defeated yesterday in Monza thanks to Bonansea’s 31st international goal, preparations began at Coverciano for the second Nations League fixture against Denmark, scheduled for Tuesday (18:15 CET) at the ‘Picco’ in La Spezia. Those who featured against the Welsh took part in a recovery session in the gym, while the other players trained as usual ahead of the test against the Scandinavian side, who lost in their first match against Sweden.

Andrea Soncin knows how to make the most of a deep and top-quality squad of players, precious resources allowing the Technical Staff to adapt their plans from one match to another. Oliviero and Merlo managed to find space against the Welsh, on what was a third international appearance for both, Girello returned to the starting eleven four months after her last 90 minutes against Malta, and Piemonte and Serturini also made an appearance in the second half. Key updates and some constants, because in 17 of his 18 games in charge of Italy, Soncin has won eight games, drawn six and lost four. The Coach has consistently relied on Caruso, Giuliani and Linari, the most used players ahead of Di Guglielmo, Lenzini and Greggi, who have one less appearance.

A joint-effort from the entire group will be needed, on and off the pitch, in the match against Denmark. The Danes are currently twelfth in the FIFA Rankings, ahead of Italy (who have climbed four places since the arrival of Soncin). The talented Harder is the talisman for Denmark, having made 156 appearances and scoring 76 goals for the National Team. They come into the clash following a rocky streak of results and following a loss in the most recent clash against the Azzurre, played at the Algarve Cup in 2022, decided by Bonensea, but they are still one of the best sides in world football. Italy, unfazed and eager to repeat this feat, will aim to use the energy of the ‘Picco’ to secure a win and aid their growth ahead of EURO 2025 - tickets are available at Vivaticket and on figc.vivaticket.it

MEETING WITH PATIENTS FROM THE MEYER PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL. This morning the Azzurra delegation hosted some patients from the Meyer Pediatric Hospital. The girls, undergoing treatment in the child neuropsychiatry department, were accompanied to Coverciano by Meyer Foundation Secretary General Alessandro Benedetti and Dr. Elisabetta Innocenti. After watching the training session and taking the traditional group photo, the group had lunch with the team and spent time with the players. The meeting is part of the FIGC’s initiatives leading up to March 15, National Lilac Ribbon Day, dedicated to raising awareness of eating disorders.