Less than a month to go before the women's national team returns to the pitch. In July, Milena Bertolini's team will play in Australia and New Zealand in the final phase of the World Cup (kick-off on Tuesday, July 25 at 6:00 am Italian time in Auckland against Argentina) in a group that also includes Sweden and South Africa. But first they have another tournament on their minds which will begin on February 16 in Milton Keynes, in the first of three matches of the Arnold Clark Cup, a competition in which Belgium - Italy's first opponent -, the hosts England and South Korea will be participating. It is an occasion where the Azzurre will wear the new adidas branded jerseys for the first time.

"In February we will play against some very strong teams, but it is my philosoph to face the most fearsome opponents, so that we can improve - explained coach Milena Bertolini, speaking at the presentation of the partnership between the FIGC and adidas -. adidas has a special appeal, because it is a brand that reminds me of my youth. For this reason, being able to go and play the World Cup with this jersey will be wonderful. For us and for the whole federation it is an important year. The national team is the engine and the driving force of the whole movement: we managed to return to the World Cup and it was not a given because the level is rising so much. We know that the group with Sweden, Argentina and South Africa is challenging, but when we are there we will try to give our best to do well. Italy, after reaching the quarter-finals in France in 2019, qualified for the World Cup finals for the second time in a row after a 20-year absence”.

Click HERE to buy tickets on the official website of the Arnold Clark Cup.

ARNOLD CLARK CUP 2023 – THE SCHEDULE*
Matchday 1 - Milton Keynes, Thursday 16 February
Italy vs Belgium (17.45)
England vs -South Korea (20.45)

Matchday 2- Coventry, Sunday 19 February
England vs Italy (16.15)
Belgium vs South Korea (19.15)

Matchday 3 - Bristol, Wednesday 22 February
South Korea vs Italy (17.45)
England vs Belgium (20.45)

*Italian time