A new challenge awaits against the most successful team in recent years, as the Azzurre continue the growth journey that Andrea Soncin has initiated since taking over as head coach of the Women's National Team in September 2023. This is the goal for the Azzurre, who are set to face world champions Spain in a friendly match tomorrow in Vicenza (18:15 CET, Rai 2). Italy will aim to replicate the feat achieved 11 months ago in Pontevedra, where they triumphed 3-2 in their last of 17 encounters with the Spanish side (the record stands at 11 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses).

"That evening was a truly emotional moment,” the head coach said at the press conference, “but it’s hard for me to say it was the most emotional of my tenure because fortunately there have been many. Tomorrow, I expect to add another important piece to our journey, especially in terms of mentality.” The team will do everything possible to achieve this and to entertain the fans, who are ready to fill the stands with blue: more than 3,600 tickets have already been issued, which will remain on sale at authorised Vivaticket agencies and on the websites figc.vivaticket.it and vivaticket.com until kick-off.

On the pitch, there will be a spectacular show. Four candidates for the Ballon d'Or will be present: on one side, Roma's Manuela Giugliano, celebrated by the entire squad for her historic 27th place, and on the other, Barcelona's Patricia Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo, and Alexia Putellas. The strong favourite to win, Aitana Bonmatí, who triumphed last year, and Mariona Caldentey will be absent. “Manuela has chosen to stay here with us, and that fills us with pride” Soncin added. “Her decision demonstrates the strength of the connections we have managed to create. Together, we want to build something magical. Tomorrow, we need to control the game through ball possession, be aggressive in regaining the ball, and be vertical when the game demands it. We want to repay the city for the warm welcome".

At the Menti, where the coach scored a brace for Atalanta in 2005, the replay of the match held 10 years ago will take place, when Antonio Cabrini’s Italy faced La Roja in the qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup. Back then, it ended 0-0, but there was certainly no shortage of emotions, from the tribute for Patrizia Panico’s 100 goals in blue to the applause for Laura Giuliani's first appearance in the senior national team, who made her debut by saving a penalty from Vero Boquete. “Returning here brought back beautiful memories,” said the goalkeeper, just a step away from 90 caps for the national team. “During the approach to the pitch, I was extremely tense, and to calm myself, I started listening to classical music. It was an emotionally beautiful encounter, even though I remember very little of the 90 minutes because I was completely immersed in the match. Ten years later, we face the same opponent again. My awareness has changed, but the emotion of wearing this shirt has not. We are aware that we can compete on equal terms”.

Giuliani joins in the compliments to Giugliano ("It's a very important day for our movement because it gives many girls the chance to dream of emulating Manu's extraordinary journey") and, before participating in the final training session, highlights the great quality of this Italy team. “I am certain that it’s the willingness we put on the pitch. Each of us has the opportunity to be herself, and in such a large group, this is the purest form of availability you can find. With this team connection and openness towards all teammates, we can dream big. We have fun to make others have fun”.

PLAYERS CALLED UP

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Inter), Francesca Durante (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (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), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Julie Piga (Milan), Angelica Soffia (Milan);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Eleonora Goldoni (Lazio), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Fiorentina), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Roma).