Preparations continue enthusiastically for the Women’s team, as they ramp up efforts ahead of their opening match against France on Sunday 10 July at 21:00 (CEST), at the New York Stadium in Rotherham. The third day of training in England saw a high level of intensity and concentration but all with a smile on their faces. The session was focused on fitness and tactical work.

It was preceded though by a welcomed visit from the upper hierarchy and founding members of the club hosting Head Coach Milena Bertolini's team, Accrington Stanley, a club working in the heart of its community.

Our Head Coach, captain Sara Gama and accompanying manager Chiara Marchitelli donated an Italy home shirt to Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt, managing director David Burgess, and Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council (in which Accrington is a part of) Miles Parkinson.

Indeed, all the local community came out to give a warm welcome to the Azzurre squad and watched on indiscreetly with affection and interest, supporting and following the team in their opening days of work.

Sadly, Arianna Caruso didn’t take part in yesterday’s session, as she took a bang on her left foot at the end of training the previous day. The Juventus midfielder was taken for an x-ray scan but no signs of damage showed up. As a precautionary measure, she was asked to rest the foot by the Azzurro medical team.