Andrea Soncin's first game in charge of Italy will also be the Azzurre's first-ever in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. It's a game of firsts in San Gallo, where Switzerland will play host to the National Women's team's new start (19:30 CEST, live on Rai Sport). The group is hungry to to get back playing and put on a show for the fans, as they look to move on from the aftermatch of a disappointing World Cup.

Bravery, cohesion and character are the principles that the new Head Coach has insisted on in this first phase of camp: “We've been together only three days," said Soncin on the eve of the game with the Swiss. "We've started a new era and I'm happy to say that all the girls have been extremely open, as have the Federation and all the work they done to help us. We are chomping at the bit to get back going and I'm really pleased because the girls have reacted very positively."

The fixture against the side led by Inka Grings precede the game with Sweden next Tuesday in Castel di Sangro (17:45 CEST, live on Rai 2), in what will be their second date in a group that also includes World Cup champions Spain. Entry to the Teofilo Patini is free (ticket info is here) in order for fans to fill up the stands and create an unforgettable atmosphere at the ground. Ahead of the match with the Scandinavians, top in the FIFA Rankings, the Azzurre must first look to beat Switzerland, like they did in April 2022 in Thun in the two sides' last meeting, a game that was decided by Girell's superb free-kick (for more info on previous meetings, click here).

23 players, out of the 28 called up, will form the squad that travels to the St. Gallen Stadion, the same venue that hosted former Azzurri Head Coach Roberto Mancini's first game in charge in 2018. It is a coincidence that "is hopefully a good omen", admitted Soncin, who this evening carried out his final training session on the eve of the game. “Tomorrow, I expect a really positive, forward-thinking attitude, like I've seen over the last few days. If there's happiness and the drive to play for this shirt with passion then the fear in facing such quality opponents goes away. The girls have shown a great fighting spirit and will to go and do something special; these are the qualities that will make the difference in our first game."

Squad List

Goalkeepers: Roberta Aprile (Juventus), Rachele Baldi (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Roma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Sara Gama (Juventus), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Benedetta Orsi (Sassuolo), Alice Tortelli (Fiorentina);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Valentina Cernoia (Milan), Giulia Dragoni (Barcelona), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Sassuolo), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Martina Piemonte (Everton), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).