In light of what is at stake, it will be an evening like no other. After a journey that began last September with victory in Trieste over Moldova, tomorrow the National Women's team will take to the field for the last 90 minutes of the qualifying stage of the 2023 World Cup. A victory against Romania, taking place at the Stadio Paolo Mazza in Ferrara at 18:30 CEST (live on Rai Sport + HD), would give the Azzurre straight qualification for the competition that will be played in Australia and New Zealand. But with the better goal difference compared to Switzerland - in second place two points behind the top - a draw could also be enough to ensure a memorable achievement with the fans.

"We are playing for everything, the qualification rests on us and this is the positive note," began Milena Bertolini in the press conference. "Obviously there is a bit of tension, before such an important occasion it's normal that there would be. It's not a foregone conclusion". The coach's hope is to repeat the performance of the first match, when just a few days after the home defeat against the Swiss, the team managed to impose itself on the opponents with a 5-gaol victory that relaunched the Italian team's ambitions, starting the comeback against the Swiss. "Romania are a great team, so tomorrow I expect a hard-fought match," she added. "They have good individuality, a great temperament and a clear identity. I consider the 5-0 win 10 months ago to be a one-off result, as they have conceded very few in the other matches.

Gama, Linari, Bonansea, Cernoia and Bergamaschi will not be able to contribute: a long list of absences that doesn't frighten the coach: "During the whole process we have had to deal with numerous injuries and various problems related to Covid. But by now we have a group of more than 30 players and even the younger ones are integrating and making themselves available in the best possible way. Against the Romanians we will have to deal with some heavy absences, but we will be prepared.

Before moving onto the pitch to direct the finishing touches, Milena Bertolini wanted to restate the importance of Ferrara for women's football and for her national team, who have won all the matches played so far at the 'Mazza'. "For us it is a special city - she concluded - "I remember when in the match against Belgium the public gave us the decisive push in the difficult moments, giving us the strength to win the match. I hope that tomorrow the stands will be packed, because it will be a crucial match not only for us but for the whole movement". The tickets can be purchased until kick-off of the match (for all the information on the ticket office click here), with the people of Ferrara and all the fans ready to respond and get up for supporting the Azzurre on the verge of history.

Girelli, who has always been a leading figure at Ferrara with the Azzurre shirt as well as at Juve, is also aware of this. "I hope a lot of fans will come to see us, we want to reciprocate their affection to give us a great evening to experience as one", said the player who, due to the absence of Gama, wears the captain's armband. "We are proud of our route and now only one final obstacle is missing. The emotions are the same as when we met Portugal four years ago in the match that allowed us to reach the French World Cup".

The Juventus forward also dedicated a thought to her teammates who will not be able to contribute to the efforts tomorrow. "We are sorry for the absences" - she emphasised the Italian number 10 - "but these days we have always been in touch and they have always provided support. We will also take to the field for them. In Girelli's words, you can feel the desire to return, to make the Italians fall in love with the team, and to succeed in qualifying for the finals of the World Cup, the second in a row after almost 20 years of absence. "Going to the World Cup would be massive for the whole movement, but obviously also on a personal and team level it would be a great achievement. The disappointment of the European Championship should be turned into positive energy and should be an extra incentive to try to do better and better. Tomorrow will be a battle, we can't wait to play".

The Squad List

Goalkeepers: Roberta Aprile (Juventus), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan), Alice Tortelli (Fiorentina);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela

Attackers: Agnese Bonfantini (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Martina Piemonte (AC Milan).