We need an immediate and strong reaction to show that the team - as well as being united - has grown since the European Championships last year. The Azzurre conceded five to France in the first game and were never able to get over that defeat for the remainder of their tournament. What the Azzurre want, in the aftermath of the loss to Sweden, is to not let that heavy defeat undermine their morale. They must remain aware of the fact that they are architects of their own destiny. A win against South Africa will be enough to take Italy to the Round of 16. 

‘Walk towards the pressure’ as the All Blacks say. Walk towards the pressure, because you have to live with it to understand it, hate it and finally make peace with it. It was a warning that accompanied the return to Auckland of Milena Bertolini's national team, who took to the field today for the first of three training sessions that will precede the challenge against the Banyana Banyanas, scheduled for Wednesday 2 August at the Regional Stadium in Wellington (9 am Italian time, live on Rai 1). "We look ahead, it's the only thing we can do," said Cristiana Girelli. "After the match, we talked to each other and I can confirm that we are even more united and eager to fight for our goal: to pass through the group stage. It all depends on us, and it is at this moment that our strength and unity must come out."

The conviction of the team's leader, as the coach defines it, is a conviction that derives from the Azzurre’s excellent start yesterday, before capitulating to the physical might of the Scandinavians. We forced our opponents to chase the ball for a good part of the first half. "For 35 minutes, it wasn’t a match, it was only us playing” added the Juventus attacker, “It is true that we had to deal with inexperience and that after their goal, we lost our compactness. Two goals conceded from corners must not disunite us. The next match will be difficult from a mental point of view, but we will have to keep our concentration until the final whistle. We will need great spirit: It’s a final and we have to win it.” 

Girelli, after her winning goal against Argentina and then on the bench against Sweden - will be hoping to contribute on the pitch again against South Africa. Despite the 20,000-kilometre distance between them, there are still lots of Italians following the National Team, rallying behind them yesterday. The National Team are continuing to receive high ratings; On Rai 1 the match was watched by 922,000 viewers (20.89% of the share). Important numbers which prove the love for the Azzurre, who are ready to excite the fans and raise the Tricolore.