Temperament, hand-in-hand with confidence and a huge amount of energy: these were the key themes running through the pre-match press conference ahead of Denmark vs Italy, the next crucial step in the World Cup qualifying campaign. In their convincing win in Serbia, the Azzurre once again showed their quality, scoring freely and imposing their rhythm on the game without hesitation. It’s a momentum they will need to carry into Saturday’s match at 15:00 CEST at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen.

The team knows that a win would see them draw level with their opponents at the top of Group 1. A defeat, however, would rule out first place with two matches still to play, opening the door to the potential pitfalls of the play-offs later this year. “There is pressure, as well as a strong sense of responsibility — something we must always feel when we wear this shirt,” explained Andrea Soncin. “In a group this tight, the balance can shift from one match to the next. We’re here to shift it again. Everything could well stay open until the final second of the final game.” The key will once again be the strength of the team as a whole, symbolised by the red bracelet the coach gifted to players and staff. “It’s a message of strength, courage and intensity — both physical and mental. Belonging, too: every player should always feel the support of her teammates.”

The aim for the squad is to learn from the past without dwelling on regrets, continuing to demonstrate their progress. “That’s exactly the role of the coach,” Soncin added. “To balance the demand for success with tolerance in difficult moments. Right now I’m managing the enthusiasm of a great result, but the maturity of these players makes my job easier. They were the ones who made the match against Serbia look simple. They’re inspiring me, there’s real belief: you can hear it even in Cecilia’s voice today.” Sitting alongside him at the press conference was defender Cecilia Salvai, who spoke with her usual calm and composure: “Winning gives you momentum to keep doing so, and tomorrow we’ll carry the energy from the last match with us.”

At Parken Stadium, more than 11,000 fans have already purchased tickets, promising a passionate atmosphere. Among those in attendance will also be Marco Brunelli, General Secretary of the Italian Football Federation. Salvai — who has made 70 appearances for Italy and currently plays for Juventus Women — knows exactly how to handle such occasions. “We know how much is at stake and we’ll need to channel the pressure positively,” she said. “It will be important to only focus on what’s happening on the pitch, concentrating on our opponents and not letting ourselves be influenced by factors we can’t control. Small details will make the difference.” Italy’s growth has been clear to see within the group. “I can feel our progress with every training camp,” Salvai continued. “The coach and the staff have given us a lot of confidence and continue to do so. A really positive dynamic has formed — individually and as a team — and that helps both on the pitch and off it. We’re a great mix: the younger players help keep us young, while we veterans try to pass on all our experience.”

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Lazio), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan), Margot Shore (Marseille);

Defenders: Caterina Ambrosi (Parma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Washington Spirit), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Marika Massimino (Ternana), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Aurora Galli (Everton), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Fiorentina), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Cristiana Girelli (Bay FC), Benedetta Glionna (Inter), Martina Piemonte (Lazio).

Fixtures, Results, and Standings of Group 1 (League A)

Matchday 1: Denmark 3-1 Serbia, Italy 0-1 Sweden

Matchday 2: Serbia 0-0 Sweden, Italy 1-1 Denmark

Matchday 3: Serbia 0-6 Italy, Sweden 1-2 Denmark

Standings: Denmark 7 points, Sweden and Italy 4, Serbia 1

Matchday 4 (April 18): Denmark 3-1 Italy, Sweden 0-1 Serbia

Matchday 5 (June 5): Denmark 3-1 Sweden, Italy 0-1 Serbia

Matchday 6 (June 9): Serbia 0-1 Denmark, Sweden 0-1 Italy