Expectation is building as the Azzurre come up against the current European champions, in what will be a challenging test for Milena Bertolini's side against one of the strongest teams in the world. Matchday two of the Arnold Clark Cup opens up tomorrow with England playing Italy (16.15 CET, live on Rai 2), with around 30,000 spectators expected to fill the stands at the Coventry Arena. It is sure to be a spectacle both on and off the pitch, with the Azzurre keen to find themselves ready.

“We're expecting an incredibly difficult match," said the Head Coach at the start of her press conference. "At this moment in time, England, along with the United States and Germany, one of the strongest sides in the world. They have quality in every department, are physically strong, technically excellent, and tomorrow will have a full house spurring them on." To combat the Three Lionesses, and not be overwhelmed by a noisy home crowd, Milena Bertolini will be counting on the togetherness of her group, who despite losing their opening match of the competition are ready to put their capabilities on show against the side led by Sarina Wiegman. “We need to start the game as we did in the second half against Belgium. I want to see courage and confidence from my players from the first whistle. We'll have to work as a unit, keeping the right distances between each department, and manage our emotions as best we can. After the final whistle, I will be happy if I see that my players have given everything of themselves, helping each other out and demonstrating the quality, heart and soul they have."

Instead of concentrating on the strengths of the opposition, the Head Coach is instead looking at what Italy must do to contain the threats from the home side, who have been receiving a lot of support from across the country. “We're improving and slowly but surely we'll be able to close the gap that separates the top, top nations," Bertolini underlined. "We need to keep investing and working 360 degrees, just as England have done, who have an unbelievable following behind them when they play. To grow the movement, we cannot neglect or overlook any aspect."

After the narrow loss by the Belgians, the Coach is looking to bring back some of her big names in the starting line-up, who mainly started on the bench on Thursday. Cristiana Girelli should be one of those players, and before kick-off will receive a special commemorative shirt to celebrate reaching 100 caps for the Azzurre. "In this squad, there are several girls who have very little experience, and even though they are doing well for their clubs in the league still need to gain more experience at this level. But it cannot be rushed, their inclusion needs to be gradual. Tomorrow, we'll start with players who are more used to this type of occasion."

Ending the press conference, before departing from Milton Keynes to travel to Coventry, Milena Bertolini shared a thought about Sarina Wiegman, an envied Head Coach who has won two consecutive European Championships with two different countries (in 2017 with the Netherlands and England in 2022): “I'm happy she's spoken well about us, and I can't wait to see her. I admire her a lot both as a Coach and for what she has done for the Women's game, and for the standing of women in sport, in general."

ARNOLD CLARK CUP FIXTURES*

Matchday 1 - Milton Keynes, Thursday 16 February

Italy vs. Belgium 1-2
England vs. South Korea 4-0

Standings: England and Belgium 3 points, Italy and South Korea 0

Matchday 2 - Coventry, Sunday 19 February

England vs. Italy (16.15 CET, live on Rai 2)
Belgium vs. South Korea (19.15 CET)

Matchday 3 - Bristol, Wednesday 22 February

South Korea vs. Italy (17.45 CET, live on Rai Sport + HD)
England vs. Belgium (20.45 CET)

*The winner at the end of the three matchdays will be the country that has the most points. If teams finish level on points, the better goal difference will then be used as the determining factor, with the highest number of goals scored the next factor. If a winner cannot be chosen by these categories then the result in the head to head meeting will dicate the competition winners.