From the excitement of EURO 2025 to that of a new journey… the World Cup. Three months after the end of their campaign on Swiss soil, Italy Women are back at Coverciano to prepare for their final two home friendlies of the year, against Japan and Brazil. These matches, which will take place on Friday 24 October (18:15 CEST) in Como and on Tuesday 28 October (18:15 CET) in Parma, come before the Azzurre’s highly anticipated tour of the United States, where they will round off their remarkable 2025 with a pair of friendlies against The Stars and Stripes on 29 November in Orlando and on 2 December in Fort Lauderdale.

After an excellent European Championship, Italy are now ready to broaden their horizons and set their sights on the 2027 World Cup. It’s the next major objective for Andrea Soncin’s squad, who, in February, will begin their qualifying campaign for the tournament that will take place in Brazil. This is why the decision was made to take on non-European opposition – for the first time since the Head Coach took charge – in order to get accustomed to styles of play different from those faced over the past two years. “It’s wonderful to be back here and a pleasure to see the girls again after so long,” said Soncin at today’s press conference. “Thinking back to the tears and smiles of the summer brings back feelings of indescribable joy, but we must now turn the page and focus solely on growing and achieving even better results.”

The decision to play against Japan and Brazil – who currently sit eighth and seventh in the FIFA Ranking respectively (with the USA in second) – reflects exactly this approach. “Thanks to the fantastic work of the players, we’ve received a huge number of invitations for these friendlies, especially from teams ranked above us,” added Soncin. “In the coming days, we’ll be taking on very strong opponents who we don’t know particularly well, and that will allow us to gain valuable experience. I’m sure there’ll be a big crowd following us both in Como and Parma, where the fans – and the many young girls in the stands – will continue to nurture the passion that blossomed in the summer.” Tickets for both matches are on sale at authorised Vivaticket outlets and on figc.vivaticket.it and vivaticket.com, with discounts available for Under-18s, Over-65s, university students, and season-ticket holders of Como 1907 and Parma Calcio.

Lucia Di Guglielmo and Manuela Giugliano will be absent from the matches at the Tardini and the Sinigaglia due to injury. Over the weekend, Arianna Caruso and Julie Piga were also forced to withdraw, with Marta Pandini and Margherita Monnecchi called up in their place. However, Sara Gama will be present. After 18 years in the Azzurre shirt, she is set to return to Coverciano in her new role as Delegation Head (her introductory press conference will take place tomorrow at 16:00 CEST). “I’d like to thank Chiara Marchitelli for everything she’s done over the past year and a half – she’s been outstanding,” continued Soncin. “Now, we welcome Sara back in a new capacity, and I believe she can play a decisive role in supporting the path we’re on. Moving from the pitch to the desk takes time, but she’s completely committed and brings great expertise. All the ingredients needed to help the women’s game continue to grow are there.”

Before today’s training session, Soncin also wanted to send a message to his assistant Viviana Schiavi, who is currently in Morocco leading the U17s at the World Cup: “Viviana is missed – she’s a very important part of our staff. We’ve been following the tournament, and I’m glad she’s gaining this experience, which will certainly be valuable for us too. They’re doing an excellent job, as shown by their impressive win in their opener. We keep in regular contact, and I hope she stays in Morocco for as long as possible…”
 

SQUAD LIST

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

Defenders: Caterina Ambrosi (Parma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Huston Dash), Federica D’Auria (Lazio), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Nadine Nischler (Como), Marta Teresa Pandini (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Martina Tomaselli (Inter);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Alice Corelli (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Margherita Monnecchi (Lazio), Martina Piemonte (Lazio), Elisa Polli (Inter).