The Azzurre closed out their home campaign with a narrow defeat to Brazil, sealed by Luany’s goal in the second half, a result that doesn’t undermine the Azzurre’s strong performance over the year. After Friday’s draw with Japan and today’s 1-0 loss (with 3,800) spectators), Italy can still look ahead with confidence in light of how strong their opponents have been. Over the two friendlies, Soncin gave playing time to those who haven’t featured as much, with several debuts for newcomers, and players returning from injury, new options that will prove crucial in the games to come.

 

 

“Today we put up a good fight against the Copa América champions,” commented head coach Andrea Soncin after the final whistle. “I want to congratulate the girls for a very strong performance. I’m pleased with what I saw; we created lots of good opportunities that, with the right composure, we could have taken better advantage of. It’s always good to know where we stand, and I’m very happy with how the team played.

Italy will now turn their focus to their final training camp of 2025. In just under a month, the Azzurre will travel to the United States for a tour that will feature two friendlies against the world’s strongest national team, scheduled for 29 November and 2 December (both kick-offs at 1:00 CET). The two friendlies across the Atlantic will serve as valuable preparation for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in February 2026, with Italy set to find out their group stage opponents in the draw on 4th November in Nyon.

 

THE MATCH. The Coach used the classic 3-5-2 formation but with six changes since Friday’s 1-1 draw with Japan. Giuliani was given a rest, with Durante in the starting lineup instead for the first time in over two years. In defence, Lenzini replaced D’auria, joining Salvai and captain Linari in the back three we saw throughout the Euros. In midfield, Tomaselli lined up with Schatzer and Greggi, who scored the goal against Japan. Oliviero and Soffia played wide. Up front, Piemonte made a return with Cantore, while Ballon d’Or nominee Girelli began the match on the bench.

 

The match began fairly slowly in pace, and Italy took advantage by playing with their excellent tactical organisation. In the opening minutes, Haas challenged Greggi rather aggressively but was only shown a yellow card. Soffia was replaced by Bergamaschi in the 17th minute, following a muscle injury. Just after the half-hour mark, a phase heavy in midfield with Greggi and Schatzer, Cantore showed promising signs with a curling shot from the edge of the area, but Lorena managed to get her hands to it. Elisa’s side, happy to sit back for much of the first half, showed signs of attack just before the break but never truly caused any trouble for the Italian defence.

The second half began with opportunities for both sides, the South American team’s was particularly dangerous as they failed to make the most of their counterattack despite a clear numerical advantage. With more space opening up, Cantore began to drive forward often, leaving her opponents behind and looking to set up her teammates, but the Azzurre struggled to get players into the Brazilian box. The Verdeoro, on the other hand, did that just perfectly, taking the lead in the 67th minute thanks to their number 22 Luany, who reacted swiftly to convert Dudinha’s low cross.

Moments later, Durante produced an impressive save to prevent Brazil from doubling their lead, as the visitors grew increasingly dangerous with each minute. Midway through the second half, Soncin brought on Severini and Beccari in the hope of an equaliser, followed then by Dragoni, Bonansea, and Girelli. Italy’s formation, focused on attack, didn’t produce the result they wanted, largely because of Brazil’s solid defence. After already beating England 2-1 in Manchester. The visitors ended their European tour with another convincing win. The fans still gave the Azzurre a standing ovation, who, despite not securing their first-ever win against Brazil, can look back on a memorable 2025.

 

ITALY vs. BRAZIL 0-1 (pt 0-0)

ITALY (3-5-2): Durante; Lenzini, Salvai, Linari; Oliviero (Bonansea 81’), Tomaselli (Severini 67’), Schatzer (Dragoni 81’), Greggi, Soffia (Bergamaschi 17’); Cantore (Beccari 67’), Piemonte (Girelli 81’). Substitutes: Baldi, Gilardi, Merlo, Ambrosi, Boattin, Polli, Cambiaghi, Pandini, D’Auria. Coach: Soncin

BRAZIL (3-4-3): Lorena; Bruninha (Isabela 66’), Haas, Mariza; Luany, Lais Estevam (Duda Sampaio 53’), Ary Borges, Yasmin; Jennifer (Dudinha 67’), Gutierres (Bia Zaneratto 53’), Taina Maranhao (Ludmila 66’). Substitutes: Claudia, Carlinha, Thais Lima, Tarciane, Thais Ferreira, Vitoria Calhau, Guimaraes Da Silva. Coach: Elias

Referee: Olivia Tschon (Austria); Assistants: Amina Gutschi (Austria), Linda Achmuller (Austria); Fourth Official: Martina Molinaro (Italy)

Goals: 67’ Luany (B)

Bookings: Haas (B), Linari (I), Soncin (I), Bergamaschi (I), Beccari (I), Mariza (B), Ary Borges (B). Spectators: 3800.