From the Nations League.... to the Nations League: it's been just under 16 months since Andrea Soncin took charge of the Azzurre for the first time as Head Coach, on 22 September 2023. Just like then, the next two challenges (on 21 February in Monza against Wales and 25 February in La Spezia against Denmark) are two notable challenges counting towards the 'new' UEFA Competition. 

But also.... from Switzerland to Switzerland: because Soncin's first match as Head Coach was in Switzerland, the country that the Azzurre will return to in July to compete in the next Euro's. 

"Do I feel pressure ahead of the European Championships? I'd say it's more adrenaline" the Head Coach explained in the 'classic' press conference which opened the Coverciano meet. "The passion that we have, turns into adrenaline ahead of the upcoming clashes, but we are totally concentrated on the present, because whatever happens in July will depends on what we do in this period. We have to try and improve, be it with the clubs or when it comes to the camps, in order to be prepared for the European Championship.

We're resuming after two and a half months and there's a lot of joy as we begin this new part of our journey. Passion must drive us to improve on a daily basis and the players know this: they're doing great things with their clubs, with whom we are collaborating more and more effectively. We are totally concentrated on the game in Monza against Wales and we're not thinking about anything else". 

Wales will be our first opponents in the Nations League group: Coach Soncin commented: "They're a modern team, who use their physicality and aggression as their main weapons. They have players who play in the United States and in the Top European Leagues, and did very well during the qualification. But, we are only concentrated on ourselves, on winning the match, on possession, aggression and playing directly". 

In terms of the players called up for this camp, Soncin explained that "The 29 players present today are the ones that we believe are best suited for the two matches we have to play, and they are also the ones performing the best in the league. The squad for the European Championship will be announced on June 25, and we have plenty of time until then... By working together with the Under 23 team, we can monitor all of the players ahead of the European Championship: we have a very large group that will be monitored very closely in the coming months." 

Therefore, a thought on one of the 29 Azzurre who are at Coverciano: Arianna Caruso, who moved to Germany to join Bayern Munich during the last winter transfer window. "I think it's a very positive messaged, for the work of the National Team and the entire movement. We are happy that Arianna can have this experience at such a prestigious club. She comes back to us as a very determined and enthusiastic player".

THE NEW SHIRT. Finally, a comment on the new 'away' kit, officially unveiled today, but already displayed by the singer Rose Villain at Sanremo: The Head Coach explained "I followed the Festival, and the winning song was a very emotive one. The same as Rose Villain's song, it speaks of a destiny born from a dream, a passion. It links everyone together, which is something we're all united by in this National Team. Passion is shown every day". 

MEDIA KIT. On the figc.it site, it is possible to download the press card with all of the information on the upcoming matches for the Azzurre, with some attention being paid to the European Championship in the summer. The information is useful not just for workers but also fans. 

MEDIA ACCREDITATION. The accreditation operations are available on the FIGC online system via 
 figc.getyourevent.online for those attending the two upcoming matches.

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Inter), Francesca Durante (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan), Margot Shore (Bologna);
Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Juventus), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Fiorentina), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Julie Piga (AC Milan);
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Monaco), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Annamaria Serturini (Inter);
Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Fiorentina), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Martina Piemonte (Lazio).