Italy Women held their first session this afternoon at the Federal Technical Centre in Coverciano and, in doing so, began their preparations for their upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League matches in Group 4, League A. The Azzurre will first face the World Champions at the Stadio Arechi in Salerno on Friday 27 October (17:45 CEST) before travelling to play the No.1 ranked team in the world at the Malmö New Stadium on Tuesday 31 October (18:30 CET).

“We’re on a journey,” said Head Coach Andrea Soncin during his press conference today. “There will be challenges during every training camp, but, looking at what the girls have shown from the very first moment, they can be overcome. They have displayed great willingness, both in training and everything else we do during the week. This gives me hope as we embark on this journey of growth. We welcome these two very complicated matches because only through difficulties can we grow.”

In answering questions from journalists, the Head Coach provided an insight into his and his staff’s approach: “We’re trying to understand how our players work during the week and the principles that their coaches rely on. After all, in the end, I think the girls must be at the centre of the project. The more information we have, the more we can personalise the work we do when they join up with the National Teeam. As Spalletti pointed out in his last press conference, you can make an impact in just a short amount of time.”

Finally, the Head Coach highlighted the growth of Serie A: “The standard of the league has improved, especially with regards to those sides in lowly positions. Despite not having many points, they’re showing they can manage games, resulting in a good level overall. Things are going in a good direction; both Italian and non-Italian players are clearly growing.”

Tickets for the match against Spain can be purchased via Vivaticket vendors and on the figc.vivaticket.it and vivaticket.com websites. The FIGC has decided to commit to affordable tickets for this game, too, with reduced prices for Under-18s and Over-65s. After the game against Spain, the team will immediately return to Coverciano and remain there until their departure for Sweden, scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday 29 October.

Squad list

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

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Roma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Sara Gama (Juventus), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Alice Tortelli (Fiorentina);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Giulia Dragoni (Barcelona), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Tomaselli (Roma);

Forwards: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Inter), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Gloria Marinelli (Milan).

UEFA WOMEN’S NATIONS LEAGUE – LEAGUE A, GROUP 4

Friday 27 October
17:45 CEST - ITALY vs. Spain (Salerno)
18:30 CEST - Sweden vs. Switzerland

Tuesday 31 October
18:30 CET - Sweden vs. ITALY (Malmö)
19:00 CET - Switzerland vs. Spain

Friday 1 December
Spain vs. ITALY
Switzerland vs. Sweden

Tuesday 5 December
ITALY vs. Switzerland (Parma)
Spain vs. Sweden

STANDINGS (after matchday two)
Spain 6, Sweden and ITALY 3, Switzerland 0