Italy Women are ready to begin their preparations for their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures against Croatia and Lithuania. After meeting up in Rome yesterday evening, the Azzurri travelled to Castel di Sangro this morning, where, on Friday, they’ll face the Croats at the Stadio Teofilo Patini at 17:30 CEST. A month ago, they ran out 5-0 winners against the same opponents in Karlovac. Then, at 17:30 CEST on Tuesday 26 October, Italy will play their fourth Group G fixture, with Lithuania set to host Gama and Co at the LFF Stadium in Vilnius.

This afternoon, Milena Bertolini’s squad of 25 will hold their first training session. Roma captain Elisa Bartoli won’t be involved: she’s suffering from a muscle problem that also forced her to miss Saturday’s league game against Inter. The Head Coach has called up Angelica Soffia in her place.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Inter), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Sara Gama (Juventus), Alia Guagni (Atletico Madrid), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (Roma);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus), Aurora Galli (Everton), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus);

Forwards: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Sassuolo), Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Valeria Pirone (Roma), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).

Schedule (all times CEST)

Monday 18 October
16:00 Training

Tuesday 19 October
10:00 Training
16:00 Training

Wednesday 20 October
16:00 Training

Thursday 21 October
15:00 Press conference – Head Coach and Captain
16:00 Training

Friday 22 October
17:30 ITALY VS. CROATIA

Saturday 23 October
10:30 Training

Sunday 24 October
Charter flight to Vilnius

Monday 25 October
17:30 (18:30 local time) Training session at the LFF Stadium

Tuesday 26 October
17:30 (18:30 local time) LITHUANIA VS. ITALY
Subsequent journey to the Vilnius airport and return to respective clubs