When they encounter each other in the corridors of their hotel, they quickly exchange pleasantries before continuing on their way: Tuesday evening’s showdown at the Stade du Hainaut, which is completely sold out for the occasion, is what they’re focused on. The Azzurre and Brazilians are sharing the same hotel in Lille, where they’re preparing for the match which will decide the overall standings in Group C. It’s a do-or-die clash for the Seleção and also a really important one for Italy, who might have already mathematically qualified but who don’t yet know whether they will progress as group winners, in second place or one of the best third-place sides.

Where they end up will determine where they play: if they win their group, they will take to the pitch in Montpellier on 25 June, while a second or third-place finish will mean a last-16 clash on 22 June in Grenoble or on 23 June in Le Havre respectively. Above all, it will determine who Italy play in the round of 16: should they finish first, they’re guaranteed to face a weaker team on paper (one of the third-place sides in groups A, B or F), while a second-place finish will see them come up against the team who end up in second position in Group A (probably one from Norway and Nigeria). Should they come in third, the Azzurre risk having to play hosts France, one of the favourites to win the World Cup. A draw in their final group game will secure first place for Milena Bertolini’s side, but a narrow defeat will also be enough should Australia not beat Jamaica by five goals or more. If Italy lose by two goals, Brazil will overtake them in the standings, while a two-goal defeat and a 4-0 win for the Australians will see the Azzurre come third.

There are therefore a range of possibilities, and Italy will only discover their destiny on Tuesday evening. In the meantime, the anticipation is rising ahead of the match against Brazil. This afternoon, the team will complete a training session in Lille, where they’ll finish off their preparations tomorrow. Manuela Giugliano, one of the star performers on the pitch against Jamaica, was the player to speak to the press today.

The Milan midfielder, just 21 years old, provided three assists, including a fantastic through ball which allowed Aurora Galli to score Italy’s fifth. However, she didn’t just distribute the ball well, she also made some decisive interventions to protect the Azzurre’s goal. “I didn’t think that we would qualify with one game to spare,” she said. “But I was aware of the fact that we’re a strong team and can put fear into any side. Having got to this point, we’re aiming ever higher. The match against Brazil is the most important game because winning would bring something new to the movement happening in Italy and enthuse many Italians.”

As an energetic member of the group, she explains how her career began: “I think back to my childhood when I was running around with my brother and my parents out on the field by my house. Everything started there.” Her family’s roots are in the south but they moved to the Veneto after her military father was stationed in Treviso: “My parents are really excited for me, they support me in everything that I do. Leaving home at such a young age helped me to grow. It’s great to play in front of so many people, we’re not used to it but we’ll be able to bring all of these spectators to Italy too. Our main skills are technique, tactics and the fact that we possess the right mentality. We’re not scared of playing more physical teams.”

She’s always admired Del Piero and Pirlo, while she’s also recently asked her friend and Milan teammate Thaisa if she can have Marta’s shirt: “I saw Thaisa here in the hotel. I said to her to be careful because we’re a strong side. Obviously, they don’t want to lose and we must not lower our concentration levels. It’s a unique feeling to play against a player such as Marta. I’ve always watched her videos and matches: it’s incredible.” As for her first experience abroad, she explained the unease that she felt during short stint in Madrid: “It was a rushed decision. I was bit scared in being confronted by such a large challenge and I decided to return home. Today, I would be ready for it. However, the movement is growing here and I can do a lot for Italian football, helping many children to play this fantastic sport. My first choice is Italy, even if you earn less.”

To conclude, she discussed her position in this Azzurre team: “I’m comfortable playing as a deep-lying midfielder and in the middle. I must improve on my defensive play, today it’s important to know how to operate in both phases. We have plenty of technical ability and we want to entertain the fans.”

National Team schedule (all times CEST)

Sunday 16 June

12:30 CEST - Lunch

Press conference with a player at the Hotel

18:00 - Training at the Le Stadium di Villeneuve d’Ascq (closed-door)

Monday 17 June

17:00 - Press conference at the Stade du Hainaut (Head Coach and a player)

19:00 - Training at Le Stadium di Villeneuve d’Ascq (first 15 minutes open to the press)

Tuesday 18 June

21:00 - Italy vs. Brazil (Stade du Hainaut)