The anticipation. Nerves, hopes and expectations. All come with the countdown to a World Cup and the prospect of facing the very best in the game. This build-up - shaped by togetherness and technical work, belief and a desire to prove themselves - is reflected in the emotions of the women’s U20s, who have arrived in Lodz, Poland, with their latest adventure now just around the corner. Italy’s campaign officially gets under way at 18:00 CEST on Sunday against the United States.

These emotions, set against the backdrop of the football pitch, are brought to life in the special feature ‘Pronte per il Mondiale’ (‘Ready for the World Cup’), now available on the Vivo Azzurro TV streaming platform.

In the special, the Azzurrine and their head coach, Nicola Matteucci, reflect on their journey, beginning with the World Cup place secured through their run to the European Championship semi-finals a year ago. “We come into this World Cup after a fantastic journey, during which we showed that we could overcome adversity,” said Matteucci. “We may be new to this competition, but we certainly won’t be an easy team to face.”

“Taking part in a World Cup is a source of pride and excitement,” said Marta Zamboni, while Lidia Consolini added: “You train all year for moments like these.” The squad combines youth with tournament experience: ten of the 21 players selected are playing above their age group, while twelve were part of the squad that reached the European Championship semi-finals in Poland a year ago. Among them is Paola Fadda. “I’m very close to my teammates; they’re like sisters to me,” said the midfielder.

Caterina Venturelli is one of the new faces in the group, having been in Morocco for the Under-17 World Cup a year ago: “I’m taking on a new challenge and trying to write a new story, always looking to improve.” Karen Appiah, the Cesena forward born in 2007, is another new addition to Matteucci’s squad. “I had to wait until I turned 18 to wear the Italy shirt. I always wondered how it would look on me…” Karen said with a proud smile, now finally part of Italy’s forward line.

 

World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Elena Belli (Inter), Erica Di Nallo (Vicenza), Lavinia Tornaghi (Milan);
Defenders: Martina Bressan (Inter), Martina Cocino (Aarau), Lidia Consolini (Inter), Azzurra Gallo (Tolosa), Emma Lombardi (Fiorentina), Martina Tosello (Cesena), Caterina Venturelli (Sassuolo);
Midfielders: Giada Catena (Res Donna Roma), Maya Cherubini (Fiorentina), Paola Fadda (Sassuolo), Gabriella Langella (Napoli Women), Sofia Testa (Ternana Women), Marta Zamboni (Como Women);
Forwards: Karen Appiah (Cesena), Giulia Galli (Roma), Giada Pellegrino Cimò (Roma), Manuela Sciabica (Lazio), Rosanna Ventriglia (Ternana Women).

Staff – Head Coach: Nicola Matteucci; Methodology Coach: Fabio Andolfo; Assistant Coach: Erika Lisi; Goalkeeping Coach: Mattia Volpi; Fitness Coaches: Lorenzo Corsi and Vincenzo Piermatteo; Doctors: Michela Cammarano and Andrea Gattelli; Physiotherapists: Marco Fiore and Eugenio Zarcone; Nutritionist: Vito Flavio Valletta; Team Secretary: Aurora Leo.

 

The Azzurrine’s fixtures

Sunday 6 September, 18:00 CEST: United States vs. Italy (Lodz, Stadion Miejski)
Wednesday 9 September, 15:00 CEST: Italy vs. New Zealand (Lodz, Stadion Miejski)
Saturday 12 September, 15:00 CEST: Italy vs. Japan (Lodz, Stadion Miejski)

 

World Cup groups

Group A: Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Benin
Group B: Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, England
Group C: France, South Korea, Ecuador, Ghana
Group D: Japan, New Zealand, United States, ITALY
Group E: North Korea, Portugal, Costa Rica, Colombia
Group F: Spain, Nigeria, New Caledonia, China