After convincing wins over Moldova and Croatia in September, Italy Women are now ready to continue their good form in qualifying for the 2023 World Cup. The Azzurre have been in Castel di Sangro since Monday in preparation for their second consecutive match against the Croats, which kicks off at 17:30 CEST on Friday. They then head to Vilnius to take on Lithuania on Tuesday 26 October (17:30 CEST).

Only the first-place team in each group qualifies directly for the tournament, otherwise it would be necessary to go through the playoffs. Italy will therefore need to continue this brilliant run of results so that they can go into 26 November and a crucial clash against Switzerland on maximum points. As it stands, the Swiss are the team standing in Gama and co’s way as they hope to reach the finals in Australia and New Zealand.

As well as expansive football, the aim for the next 180 minutes of football is renewed concentration and accuracy in the final third. “One month ago, we struggled to deal with Croatia’s physicality for a half of football,” said head coach Milena Bertolini. “I expect to see a different approach on Friday. We need to have the right mentality, dictate play and control the game from the outset; that’s how we can get three vital points that would get us closer to the World Cup.”

Before tomorrow’s training session, Milena Bertolini and captain Sara Gama will give a  press conference (15:00 CEST).

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);

Attackers: 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)

Thursday 21 October
15:00 - Press conference 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 - Training at the LFF Stadium

Tuesday 26 October
17:30 - LITHUANIA VS. ITALY
Travel to the airport after the match and return home