After getting off to a winning start against Moldova, yesterday the Azzurre arrived in Karlovac, Croatia, where they will face the host nation tomorrow at 17:30 CEST in the second match of the qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup.

This afternoon, in the stadium of the town that was once a military stronghold and is located on the road connecting Rijeka to the capital Zagreb, Italy will continue their training as they refine their plan of attack with which they will attempt to dismantle a strong Croatian team who will be looking to avoid a second consecutive defeat and find the right countermeasures to keep the likes of Giacinti, Girelli and teammates at bay.

Compared to the match in Trieste, Milena Bertolini expects more precision in front of goal from her players. The objective, in fact, is to take control of first place in Group G as quickly as possible. Switzerland, fresh from their 4-1 win over Lithuania, currently occupy that position. To get into first place, in addition to winning the game, it will also be important to focus on goal difference. “Against Moldova, the team’s attitude was excellent, but tomorrow we will have to try not to be as nice. Croatia are a physical team, aggressive and with good individuals, the girls will have to approach the match in the right way, playing with more solidity and without panicking”, Coach Bertolini affirmed.

There are many expectations on the Italian national team, as they come to terms with this new World Cup campaign and new opponents on their level. “We don’t feel the pressure of having to win at all costs - she added - I see it as a positive aspect because it means that we are growing and that everyone always expects the best from us. To enter the world elite of women's football we will have to be good at managing these situations”.

Against Croatia, Milena Bertolini will have to do without Giugliano, who is suffering from a sprained knee injury that forced her to leave the training camp prematurely. “The matches in September are always peculiar because the athletic condition of the players isn’t yet perfect and it can happen that the players experience some small problems. Tomorrow, also in light of Manuela's absence, I will make some changes from the first match. The fatigue will be felt, and what counts against an opponent so physically prepared is not only the starting line-up but also the five girls who are ready to come on to lend a hand to the team”.