From Soncin’s perspective, concentration is key for his players as every match in the upcoming qualification campaign will be vital, especially due to the mini-group format with four teams and six matches to play. Andrea Soncin spoke today at the pre-camp press conference with focus and a smile, reflecting on the most recent friendlies at the end of 2025 and the emotions of last summer’s Euros, where there was pride, joy, and slight disappointment as the Azzurre’s run ended in the semifinals.

The Coach told the journalists, “I feel very excited waiting for this journey to unfold. It’s a real pleasure for me, the staff, and the players. Even though we’ve been apart, we’ve stayed in contact and are happy to be back together. Going to the World Cup is our dream: we respect the qualities of our opponents, but we know where we want to achieve. We must have a clear objective, and the foundation of this journey is the people and their drive to seek excellence.”

The journey to the 2027 World Cup begins with a four-team group, featuring Sweden, Denmark, and Serbia competing alongside the Azzurre for the single spot, which allows direct qualification to Brazil, avoiding playoffs. Soncin noted that “All the teams in our group have valuable players. Anything can happen in these matches, for better or worse. We have to compete with everyone, starting with Sweden, who were in pot one at the draw. But rankings alone don’t do these teams justice. They’re all very strong.”

The campaign kicks off on Tuesday, 3 March, in Reggio Calabria against Sweden, followed by the second match in this international window on Saturday, 7 March, against Denmark in Vicenza. “Playing the next two matches at home will give us the energy we need. Reggio Calabria really wanted us there. We’re happy to play at the ‘Granillo,’ a stadium that has hosted top-level football. I’m sure the crowd will show a lot of support, as they will in Vicenza. Even in the friendly against Spain at the ‘Menti,’ the atmosphere was electric. This energy will fuel our journey.’

Soncin also commented on the increasing number of Azzurre who are playing overseas in top leagues such as those in the United States: “It’s a reflection of how Italian players are now being appreciated more than in the past. It’s their performances that put them in the spotlight and open up opportunities in the market. Coming together at Coverciano, wearing our colours, in a group where they feel happy and valued, is very promising. For the staff, this does come with some logistical challenges, but we’ve built strong bonds even with foreign clubs. We’ve established crucial connections to keep our players as the priority and in the best conditions to perform.”

Tickets: Tickets for both matches are available through official Vivaticket agencies and on the websites figc.vivaticket.it and vivaticket.com, with discounts for under-18s, over-65s, and for the 90 minutes at the ‘Granillo’, for Reggina season-ticket holders, who can use the fiscal seal in the coupon field of their subscription (for all ticket info, click here).

Music at the stadium: Two of the most popular Italian artists will be performing during the matches. For the match against Sweden in Reggio Calabria, Baby K will be playing for the crowd in Granillo. Baby K is one of three Italian artists (alongside Lazza and Giusy Ferreri) to receive a FIMI Diamond Record for the single Roma-Bangkok, which sold over 500,000 copies in Italy. Returning from Sanremo, where she featured last year, and the release of her debut album Met Gala four months ago, Sarah Toscano, from Vigevano, like coach Soncin, will be the star of the Vicenza evening for Italy vs. Denmark, ahead of the start of her tour.

 

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Lazio), Laura Giuliani (Milan);
Defenders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Huston Dash), Federica D’Auria (Lazio), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Washington Spirit), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (Milan);
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Matilde Pavan (Como), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);
Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Benedetta Glionna (Inter), Martina Piemonte (Lazio), Elisa Polli (Inter).