The Arnold Clark Cup is on the horizon for the Azzurre, who will take on Belgium tomorrow at 17:45 CET in Milton Keynes. A prestigious tournament involving high-quality opponents awaits Milena Bertolini’s side, who will also face European Champions England and South Korea. For Italy, the aim is to turn the page after a few difficulties towards the end of 2022 and to regain confidence ahead of the World Cup.

“The girls are very happy to be here. They’re working well and with real enthusiasm and focus,” said the Head Coach following today’s session. “We only met up two days ago, but I’ve noticed that there’s a different kind of motivation and attitude within the group compared to the European Championship.” Six months ago, the team’s Euro adventure came to an end against the Belgians, but, judging by the team’s commitment and application - something which Milena Bertolini stressed more than once during her press conference - the game at the MK Stadium will be completely different: “Belgium have barely made any changes since the match in July. They’re a very organised team made up of players who have been together for many years. We have to show that we can do much better, and we’ll need to take to the pitch with fury and the desire to win.”

Tomorrow could be a special day for Cristiana Girelli, who is set to celebrate her 100th Italy appearance, and the team’s youngsters, who are intent on showing that they’re ready to be involved in a major international event. “These three matches will be important because they’ll give those who haven’t played as much the opportunity to test themselves against sides of the same standard as those who we’ll meet in Australia and New Zealand. I’m sure I’ll be able to get more of an idea about who is already ready for the World Cup.”

This summer’s tournament will kick off on 20 July in Sydney, with Milena Bertolini’s side hoping to experience the same emotions they did four years ago in France, where they were able to change the perception of women’s football in Italy: “My objective in the next few months is to work as best I can to ensure that we are ready when the World Cup comes around. We want to do something big for ourselves and, above all, give the women’s game a further boost. The important thing is to always give your all, and that is what we’re doing.”

The two matches being played on the opening day of the Arnold Clark Cup, as well as all the games taking place in Europe this week, will be preceded by a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina);
Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Federica Cafferata (Fiorentina), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Benedetta Orsi (Sassuolo), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus);
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);
Forwards: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Sampdoria), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Martina Piemonte (Milan), Elisa Polli (Inter), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).