The Women's National Team are rapidly closing in on their final test of an outstanding 2024 season, which sees Andrea Soncin's side face Germany at the Ruhrstadion, home to Bochum, on Monday (20:30 CET, live on Rai Sport). It will be the Azzurre's eleventh game of the year, with three wins, five draws and just two defeats, which did not prevent them from finishing top of their EURO 2025 qualifying group.

Having booked their place at the tournament in July, and with friendlies against Malta and Spain placed in the archives, Italy's journey now moves onto a tough test against Germany, with an expected 15,000-strong crowd, which the group look to pass with flying colours before setting sights on a Nations League campaign that starts in February and the European Championships in July. Three new faces in Matilde Copetti, Federica D’Auria and Nadine Nischler represent a group that continues to work hard, in unity, and is committed to giving their all for the jersey.

From Serie C to A and then the National Team in just five months, with 40 goals last season at Merano and six in eleven games this year with Como, Nischler, who at the age of 14 left her home to go and play in Nuremberg, is currently in the form of her life and now dreams of making her debut for the Azzurre: “Soncin asked me to play as I do and show off all of my qualities on the field of play. Since joining up, I've been warmly welcomed into the group and I can confirm that there's a special bond between the players; the unity inside the dressing room is the thing that has struck me the most. In three days' time we'll come up against a very technical side; it's going to be tough, but with the spirit we have I'm certain we'll put in a good performance”.

After a morning gym exercises and individual video sessions, Parma's number 1 also praised the collective unity that has been moulded by Soncin: “The quality level is very high, as I expected. There's a calm atmosphere around the place and everyone has welcomed me in the best way. I'm proud to be here; it was a really pleasant and unexpected surprise because you think getting a call-up to the National Team at 27 years of age is somethign that isn't going to happen. Instead, it's come after years of sacrifice and hard work, in a season that's going really well for me personally and the club (Parma are current leaders in Serie B). I'd like to thank the head coach for his belief and keeping a close eye on this season's league campaign, which is seeing lots of young talented players on show". 

Last but not least, D’Auria, a winger born in 2003 currently on loan with Lazio, from Juventus, has been one of the mainstays in her side and put in strong performances this season: “It's amazing to be back at Coverciano," the 21-year-old from Turin said. "I'm just trying to live the experience as much as I can. The environement is relaxed and the team's recent results demonstrate how strong this National Team is. The intensity and dedication in training is exceptional, but also the passion shown every day should also be mentioned”.

Following the gym session, the team received news of yet another award for Manuela Giugliano, who after finishing 27th in the Ballon d'Or rankings she has now been placed as a candidate for FIFA's ‘The Best Women's 11’.

EURO 2025 MASCOT. The official UEFA Women's EURO 2025 mascto made its first appearance today, surprising children and passengers at Geneva's Cornavin train station. Maddli, inspired by Madeleine Boll's name, the first woman to obtain a football licence to be a footballer in Switzerland, is a sweet and playful St. Bernard puppy with a big heart and even bigger dreams. Wearing the number 25 shirt, Maddli will meet fans at this evening's friendly between Switzerland and Germany at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, one of eight stadiums set to host the 14th edition of the European Championships.