There despite everything, full of energy and love. Italy are close to their EUROs 2025 debut in Switzerland, scheduled for Thursday in Sion against Belgium (18:00 CEST, Rai 2). There are also four girls called in for a different sort of role which is difficult yet key. Aurora Galli, Martina Rosucci and Valentina Bergamaschi, alongside young keeper Astrid Gilardi, are not part of the 23-women squad, but in agreement with the boss, they will stay with the group throughout their preparations.

It is a choice that goes beyond the tournament rules, that in the case of injury or illness of a player, it is possible to change the squad list until midnight before their debut in the competition. There is a lot more to it, and this was explained by the three Azzurre veterans (with 219 total appearances) who have stood out in recent history. Galli said: “We are here for the team, we want to get them in the best place possible even though there is that disappointment that we won't be with them on this journey. We are trying to give our all to get them all in the best conditions. We have been given this opportunity and we are putting our whole heart into it.”

The 28-year-old Everton midfielder, after an eight-month absence due to a ruptured ACL, did all she could to try and take part in her third EUROs together with her teammates. “This is a special group, made up of different personalities that have just one goal. We will all help each other despite our differences and we are linked together. They all know they have their backs covered. We are trying to help the young players like Gama and many other players have done it before. I am sure that they will continue to do it for those who arrive after us.”

Rosucci thinks the same way, and she was also held back by a lengthy knee injury (not her first) that kept her from Covericano for two years. “I saw this incredible union from my sofa at home, the other Juve girls were telling me about this too, not with their words but their actions. I absolutely wanted to be part of this and when I arrived I understood right away: I found a group of people who wanted to do something better. This affection creates a sort of energy that makes us believe that we can do great things.”

Just like her two teammates, Rosucci also remembers the emotions of the 2019 World Cup, a journey that ended in the quarter-finals, making millions of Italians fall in love with the Azzurre. “There was a great feeling of achievement and professionalism after that tournament, but on the pitch we couldn’t manage to keep those levels. Now I am happy to feel this buzz again and all together we want to relight this excitement”. On the role of “additions” to the team: “We must make our teammates feel good, convincing them of their union in such a way that they understand that making mistakes isn’t a big issue. There is nothing better than representing your nation: in wearing this shirt you represent an entire country.”

Bergamaschi said this about it all: “Being able to help this squad to manage something amazing is great, we have a brilliant group and there are many great people not here. This is also why I think it is a great privilege to be part of this path”. These are words that show the maturity and strength of the 28-year-old, who was taken out of the 2023 World Cup team in Australia and New Zealand at the last minute. But the love for the colours goes beyond every disappointment and pushes you to give your all to come back and have good experiences. “There is a special buzz in the dressing room and we are surrounded by great people that give their all for these players. The Azzurre emotions really enchant everyone.”