From the banks of Lake Lucerne to Stade de Tourbillon in Sion, the Azzurre are full of enthusiasm ahead of their clash against Belgium, who will be their opponents in their opening Group B fixture at the European Championship. With just three days left before their tournament kick off, the players’ heads are already in the game against the Belgian Red Flames, who in 2022 shattered Gama and her teammates dreams of qualifying for the quarter-finals, last achieved in the 2013 tournament.

On that day, three years ago on 18 July in Manchester, Lucia di Guglielmo was also on the pitch. Back then, she was still a newcomer to the national team (it was her fourth time in the starting eleven and her ninth playing overall), but today she is a vital player in Andrea Soncin’s squad. Her rise has paralleled that of the team’s, who are eager to shine on the continental stage after their excellent results over the last two years. This match against Belgium marks the start of their shot at redemption. The Roma right-back explained: “We know that a competition like this can give a decisive boost to the women’s game, and we’re here to take Italian football to the top of Europe. We’re focused and aware of our strengths, the atmosphere is amazing, and we feel the support of the fans. There is some pressure as well, but I think that’s necessary because it helps us stay grounded in the present.”

A present that is defined by the word ‘courage’, a term repeated many a time by the 28-year-old from Pisa during today’s press conference. “It is a quality that has been with us throughout our journey with the new head coach. All of us know what we want to achieve, how we can achieve it, and it is a core value we bring to the pitch in all our matches. We are only focused on our own performance and not thinking ahead to qualification, even though that is of course the aim.”

Following Di Guglielmi, it was Michela Cambiaghi’s turn, who’s playing in her first major tournament with Italy. Since the new head coach’s arrival, she has, together with Cristiana Girelli, been Italy’s top scorer (five goals in 17 appearances). But the new Juventus forward’s focus lies elsewhere: “I want to have an impact; goals aren’t important to me,” the 29-year-old highlighted while speaking to journalists. “All the sacrifices I’ve made have paid off just by being here. Even though it’s my first time at a European Championship, I am taking in the atmosphere and the build-up with a very calm mindset.”

With her icy eyes and fierce determination, Cambiaghi is fearlessly anticipating the 90 minutes against Belgium and the face-off with her former Inter teammate Tessa Wullaert, captain, and the player to watch out for in Elísanet Gunarsdóttir’s squad. “They’re a strong team and can definitely pose a threat,” she added. “Tessa is a very influential player, if anything she plays even better with the national team. She’s at the heart of their game, and we will do everything it takes to limit her chances. We know it’ll be an almost sold-out match but playing for a full crowd really pumps me up. We can’t wait to get started.”