The Women’s National Team are bidding farewell to Parma and flying to Wales with the aim of claiming second place in their Nations League group. Finishing in this position – they achieved this in the competition’s inaugural edition – would see Andrea Soncin’s side retain their League A status without having to play a relegation playoff in late October. In order to move above either Sweden or Denmark, who currently lead the group with nine points, the Azzurre must win on Tuesday in Swansea (19:30 CEST kick-off) against the home side, who have already been mathematically relegated to League B.

Italy are therefore in control of their own destiny, but to reach their goal they will need to replicate Friday’s strong performance against Sweden, especially since the Welsh – not just in the reverse fixture – have demonstrated great character and excellent organisation on the pitch. “The match at the Tardini made us further aware that we’re a great team, even if there’s a bit of regret that we didn’t come away with a win,” said Elisabetta Oliviero after today’s training session. “After the final whistle, the Coach told us we should be proud of ourselves and of what we’ve achieved throughout our Nations League campaign. On Tuesday, we’ll play without any fear: Wales are a team we can beat, and, if we keep going like this, I’m confident great things are ahead.”

The Lazio full-back started February’s match against Wales in Monza – where Barbara Bonansea scored the winner – and the team’s fixture in Parma three days ago. She’s contributed through her pace, skill and attacking threat, highlighted by the fact that she came close to finding the net with a long-range effort against the Swedes.  “At the time, I didn’t even realise how close I was to scoring my first goal for Italy, but watching the replay almost gave me goosebumps,” continued the 27-year-old, who has now earned six caps for her country. “I want to give my best for this amazing group. Everyone, including the staff, is always ready to give 100% for the team and the whole environment. In a setup like this, every one of us knows we can make a difference.”

This morning, the squad completed their final training session at Collecchio, and this afternoon they will depart for Cardiff before heading to nearby Swansea. The suspended Lucia Di Guglielmo won’t take part in the trip, with Flaminia Simonetti, Annamaria Serturini and Aurora Galli also remaining in Italy. The first two won’t be in the matchday squad as a precaution: Simonetti is recovering from a calf injury, and Serturini suffered a broken nose on Friday. Everton midfielder Galli, meanwhile, is continuing her recovery from a long-term knee injury and will join up with the Under-23 National Team, who are scheduled to face Sweden in a friendly in Noceto tomorrow.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Inter), Francesca Durante (Fiorentina), Astrid Gilardi (Como), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan);

Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Juventus), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Fiorentina), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Julie Piga (AC Milan), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Eleonora Goldoni (Lazio), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Martina Tomaselli (Inter);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Fiorentina), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Margherita Monnecchi (Eibar), Martina Piemonte (Lazio).

Programme

Monday 2 June
18:30 CEST – MD-1 official training session – Swansea Stadium

Tuesday 3 June
19:30 CEST – Wales vs. ITALY – Swansea Stadium
Afterwards, the team will return to Italy and the delegation will be disbanded.

CALENDAR, RESULTS AND STANDINGS, LEAGUE A GROUP 4

Matchday 1: ITALY 1-0 Wales, Denmark 1-2 Sweden
Matchday 2: ITALY 1-3 Denmark, Wales 1-1 Sweden
Matchday 3:  Sweden 3-2 ITALY, Wales 1-2 Denmark
Matchday 4: Denmark 0-3 ITALY, Sweden 1-1 Wales

Standings: Sweden and Denmark 9 points, ITALY 7, Wales 2

Matchday 5 (30 May): ITALY 0-0 Sweden, Denmark 1-0 Wales
Matchday 6 (3 June): Wales vs. ITALY (Swansea, 19:30 CEST), Sweden vs. Denmark (Solna, 19:30 CEST)