Italy Women take on Spain in a friendly in Castel di Sangro tomorrow. The Azzurre, after a month of hard work, can’t wait to take on La Furia Roja in their final test before departing for England on Monday 4 July. This long period of preparation hasn’t cooled Italy’s hunger to prove themselves against one of the favourites for the tournament.

Morale is high and Italy are hungry for a repeat experience of their World Cup campaign in 2019. But, before the journey to Blackburn in the northwest of England, where the Azzurre will be based, head coach Milena Bertolini will have one final look at the squad during this fixture against the Spanish. “We’re taking on a top side tomorrow. I’m happy to be playing this game because the only way, in which you can improve and grow as a team, is to test yourself against the very best,” Bertolini said in a press conference today. “The girls are feeling good and they’re excited to play. We’ve been training together for a while now and it’s clear that we’re not quite at 100% yet – but we will by the time we take on France on 10 July.”

Spain, who are currently ranked seventh in the world, recently thumped Australia by seven goals to nil in a friendly and have among their ranks Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, as well as many of her Barcelona teammates (and more). But Italy are not afraid and will be hungry to test themselves, while also being spurred on by the over 2,000 fans present at the Stadio Teofilo Patini. “In recent weeks, we’ve played a few games against various male youth teams, which has been a really good way to get used to the level of physicality, which we will face during the Euros,” Bertolini continued. “I’m sure that we will put in a big performance tomorrow but, no matter the result, the important thing is to understand the areas which we can improve. We’ll need to work hard as a unit, play our game and show desire. Over the past few days, I’ve had to take the balls off the girls to get them off the pitch, otherwise, they didn’t want to stop training.”

Sara Gama, who didn’t train today as a precaution, also highlighted the determination within the camp: “We’re happy with what we have done so far,” the Azzurre captain stated. “We’ve worked hard and now it’s time to show it. Tomorrow’s game will be a great test for us; we’re focused because we know we need to work out the last few details ahead of the game against France. We’re enthusiastic and want to make our mark.”

Tomorrow’s friendly will coincide with the Women’s Serie A going fully professional. “Tomorrow will be a day of celebration for us players,” the defender said. “Finally, after so much sacrifice, we’ll have the protection we deserve. This reform is a massive chance to invest in the women’s game in Italy. It will also be a special date for the FIGC; we should be proud to be the first Federation to take this historic step.”