Italy’s road to the World Cup finals runs through Florence. The Artemio Franchi Stadium will host the match that will determine qualification for the second and decisive round of the play-offs. Tomorrow (18:15 CET, live on Rai 2), the Women's National Team will face Belarus again after beating them 2-0 last Friday at a neutral venue in Tbilisi. It is a reassuring advantage, but it will not dampen Andrea Soncin’s side’s desire to deliver goals and an entertaining performance for the fans in the stands. FIGC Commissioner Giovanni Malagò will be there to support the Azzurre, alongside Federation Technical Director and Club Italia President Claudio Ranieri. Everyone will be behind Italy as they look to reach the final stage of their bid to qualify for the tenth edition of the World Cup.

‘The players are very mature, determined, and fully aware of how important this match is,’ the head coach said at the press conference ahead of the final training session. ‘Qualification has to be secured one step at a time. Compared with the game three days ago, which we dominated from start to finish, I want to see quicker ball circulation and a little more quality when we attack their defensive line. Belarus will certainly play more aggressively, and that could work in our favour. We’re looking ahead to tomorrow with confidence and energy.’ Soncin, who wore the Fiorentina shirt more than 20 years ago, knows that the players will be able to count on the crowd’s support at the Franchi. ‘We’re expecting a great atmosphere that will give us even more energy. It’s exciting to return to a stadium with such a rich history. We want to experience a wonderful evening ourselves and give everyone else some great memories too.’

Cristiana Girelli, seated alongside the head coach, also answered questions from journalists, starting with her own desire, shared by the entire squad, to travel to Brazil in eight months’ time. ‘It’s a huge goal that makes me wake up every day thinking that I have to give even more. It would be the culmination of my career with the Azzurre, and the end of that chapter. We’ll do everything we can to be there.’ With a calm, confident and visibly emotional expression, the Bay FC striker once again demonstrated to everyone present, and beyond, her unbreakable bond with the Azzurre. Through her experience, she also seeks to pass that connection on to the younger players. ‘For me, the National Team is always “home”. I always find a strong sense of belonging here, shared by everyone. You feel what this shirt represents in your skin and in your soul. There’s passion and love, and everyone who joins the team can feel it, which makes it easier to become part of that sentiment. I always try to help the new arrivals, especially because I’d like to leave a lasting impression on those who will one day take the place of us veterans.’

Before letting the action speak for itself, Girelli, who will look to add to her record-breaking tally of 133 appearances and 62 goals for Italy tomorrow, also had a message for the fans. They have already applauded her during Italy’s last two appearances at the Florence stadium. ‘We want to win and thrill the fans. I hope lots of people come out to support us, because qualifying for the World Cup would be a hugely important achievement for us, the FIGC, and the whole country. But what we’ve built over the years gives us confidence. We know exactly who we are and where we want to go.’

TICKETING AND MICHELE BRAVI PERFORMANCE

Tickets for the match will remain on sale until 18:15 CET on Tuesday via ticketing.figc.it and at Vivaticket agencies, with discounts available for Under-20s, over-65s, university students, and Fiorentina season ticket holders. Michele Bravi will also be at the Franchi, bringing his voice to the Women's National Team’s performance on the pitch. The Umbrian artist will perform during half-time, providing the soundtrack to Andrea Soncin’s side’s first home game of the season and adding a new chapter to the connection between the Azzurre and music. Radio Italia, the National Teams’ media partner, will also be at the stadium as usual, playing music to entertain the crowd before kick-off.

THE SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Como 1907), Astrid Gilardi (Como Women), Laura Giuliani (Stuttgart);

Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Houston Dash), Federica D’Aurica (Juventus), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Washington Spirit), Michela Giordano (Napoli Women), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elisabetta Oliviero (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Real Madrid), Giulia Dragoni (Chelsea), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Annamaria Serturini (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forwards: Barbara Bonansea (San Diego Wave), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Cristiana Girelli (Bay FC), Benedetta Glionna (Inter), Martina Piemonte (Roma), Elisa Polli (Inter).