The Azzurre got down to work at Coverciano today ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup. On Thursday, the Azzurre will play their first match in the prestigious tournament hosted in England. Belgium, the team that put an end to Italy’s European Championship hopes six months ago, will be the opponents. After the showdown with the Belgian Red Flames, Milena Bertolini’s side will take on England and South Korea, three challenging tests to see what stage the Azzurre are at.

“Facing high-quality teams is the only way to help the youngest players develop and allow the group to continue to gain experience. We’ll be up against opponents who have different characteristics, even if all three have excellent physical and technical qualities. I’ll try to rotate the squad so that I can assess who is already ready to take part in the World Cup.”

For Milena Bertolini, the key word is ‘enthusiasm’. “We need to prepare as best we can and not leave any stone unturned. This tournament will help us understand who has the hunger, the strength and the desire to be part of the squad that will fly to New Zealand in July. In order to do well at international level, willingness, humility and the ability to dig in and go beyond are all required.”

With Gama and Bartoli both out, the captain in England will be Girelli, who, having just celebrated 100 goals for Juventus, is set to achieve a new milestone: 100 appearances in the Italy shirt (she currently has 99 to her name). “I’ve known Cristiana for a long time, and what she’s doing does not surprise me in the least. She has brilliant vision, as is her timing. She always has the interest of the team at heart.”

The squad

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);
Attackers: 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).