It was a sad and regretful Milena Bertolini who spoke after the game between South Africa and Italy. The unexpected elimination from the 2023 World Cup at the group stages, following a 3-2 defeat against the African side, killed all Azzurre dreams: “I am extremely disappointed because we worked really hard to get out of the groups and we didn't manage to do it. I'm really sorry. I don't think the group lacked cohesion," continued the Head Coach, "but some fear appeared during the competition and the five goals conceded against Sweden knocked a bit of confidence out of us. Even today's goals affected us negatively.”

The Azzurre leader also spoke about her selections and her future: “I defend the choices I made. I think these were the best players to play the game. I selected the players who had to play. This National team has a bright future ahead and those players who have played in this World Cup will form the basis to develop the next cycle. My future isn't important; what's important is the Women's movement. I hope to have left the foundations for who comes next and takes over this young set of players." With the same message, central defender Elena Linari was heartbroken for the premature elimination: “I hope this group has planted something for the future generations. I'm really disappointed in how it's gone; it's all experience, even if it is a negative one. I hope that it only goes and helps the future."

On the scoresheet twice in the game, Arianna Caruso expressed her deep regret: “Obviously, it wasn't what we were hoping and dreaming for. We'll need to analyse everything that has happened and start back up anew immediately.  I believe in this group and in our strength. The two goals count for nothing because they didn't take us through to the next stage of the competition.” The Juventus midfielder is extremely confident, though, of the National side's future, who are ready to bounce back despite the errors made: “At this World Cup, we have learnt that nothing can be taken for granted. If you don't win, you don't progress. We thank the fans that have supported us and we're very sorry for not giving them more joy. We really wanted to do well. I believe there's huge potential and we are a really strong team, but we need to show that out on the pitch and I hope we will do that, starting from our next fixtures."