Nazionale A Femminile

Euro 2022 qualifying: just four days to go until Italy and Denmark lock horns

The team continue to put in the hard work at Coverciano ahead of their match against the Danes on Tuesday 27 October in Empoli

Friday, October 23, 2020

Euro 2022 qualifying: just four days to go until Italy and Denmark lock horns

Just four days remain before Milena Bertolini’s side take to the pitch at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in Empoli for a vital match: at 17:30 CEST on Tuesday 27 October, the Azzurre will face Demark as they look to gain an advantage in the battle to finish top of their European Championship qualifying group, a position that will guarantee a spot in the final tournament next year. The Danes currently sit in first place in Group B and, following their 4-0 victory over Israel on Wednesday, are three points ahead of Italy, who have played a game less.

With all the molecular tests that the team underwent yesterday having come back negative, the Azzurre were hard at work this morning ahead of the upcoming showdown. The girls, who will also train later on today, completed fitness and tactical drills and also worked on set-pieces. The only absentee was Benedetta Glionna, who is struggling with an injury to her left thigh. In agreement with her club, the Empoli striker has decided to remain with the group to continue receiving treatment from the National Team’s medical staff.

Nothing can be left to chance. In order to dominate a strong Danish side which has not yet conceded any goals in the eight qualifying matches they’ve played so far, the Azzurre must show great attention to detail, identifying the weaknesses of their opponents and trying to nullify the threat of captain Pernille Harder, who, like Cristiana Girelli, has scored eight goals in the group. Furthermore, there are players who ply their trade in Italy that need to be stopped, like Pedersen (Juventus), Thogersen (Fiorentina) and Moller (Inter). Milena Bertolini knows she can count on a united group that can’t wait to prove what they can do against one of the strongest National Teams in Europe.

Italy, who are guaranteed a playoff spot at the very least, are aiming to join Demark on 24 points at the top of the group, after which they could potentially secure their spot in the final tournament when they face the same side in Viborg on 1 December. On Monday, after a holding a press conference and leading the team through their final training session, the Head Coach will announce her 23-player squad for the highly anticipated showdown. The Azzurre are ready.