The Azzurre have one object: to win and leave with no regrets, proving to everyone that the focus of the Women’s National Team has been unwavering. Their minds and hearts are set on the World Cup, although even a victory on Tuesday in Gothenburg (19:00 CEST) may not be enough to book a place in Brazil, as everything depends on Denmark. A draw in Serbia would be enough for the Danes to secure direct qualification for the tournament and send Italy into the end-of-year play-offs. However, Italy want to do their part by delivering a strong performance and claiming a historic first away victory against Sweden, the only Scandinavian side Andrea Soncin’s team has yet to beat during his tenure.

“We started this training camp with one objective: to be the best version of ourselves, without being concerned with the results on other pitches,” the Head Coach said during his press conference. “The chances of overtaking Denmark have decreased, but we are still just as motivated. We want the three points for second place in the rankings, and to improve our seeding ahead of the next edition of the Nations League.” To achieve that, Italy will need to build on the promising form shown on Friday against Serbia, inspired by the coach’s half-time message: “believe in your style of play and your qualities”, which sparked the Azzurre’s fighting momentum.   “It will be a completely different match because Sweden are much more aggressive. We’ll need quicker ball circulation and better movement into space than in the 90 minutes in Pisa. While i am talking about physical speed, mental speed will be decisive.”

Before heading to the final training session at Gamla Ullevi Stadium, where around 14,000 spectators are expected tomorrow, Soncin dedicated a thought to the Under-17 side following their European Championship triumph: “I would like to congratulate Daniele Franceschini, the staff, and all the boys for this fantastic achievement. It’s the result of the work Maurizio Viscidi has been carrying out for years. Last night we celebrated while watching the penalties live, the Azzurrini made us emotional and gave us a huge boost.” That same energy could be seen in Barbara Bonansea’s eyes, fresh from scoring her 33rd goal for the National Team. The forward explained, “We’re facing the only team that has beaten us in this group. We want to respond and focus ourselves, because these three points are still hugely important. We’re ready.”

The forward, who will turn 35 on 13 June, is preparing to begin her tenth season at Juventus and her fourteenth in the Azzurre shirt. Her journey is deeply tied to Italian football and deserves to be crowned with a third World Cup appearance. “I’m honoured to be part of this group, which has incredible energy. Recently, the National Team has demonstrated a lot more confidence in our qualities and strengths. In the past, that was something we struggled to find, whereas now we know we’re one of the teams capable of competing with anyone… and I’m certain we’ll show that again tomorrow.”

THE SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Lazio), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Margot Shore (Marseille);

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Inter), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Houston Dash), Federica D’Aurica (Lazio), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Washington Spirit), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (Milan);

Midfielders: Melissa Bellucci (Napoli Women), Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forwards: Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Cristiana Girelli (Bay FC), Benedetta Glionna (Inter), Margherita Monnecchi (Lazio), Martina Piemonte (Lazio), Noemi Visentin (Lazio).

Group 1 Results and Standings (League A)

Matchday 1: Denmark 3-1 Serbia, ITALY 0-1 Sweden
Matchday 2: Serbia 0-0 Sweden, ITALY 1-1 Denmark
Matchday 3: Serbia 0-6 ITALY, Sweden 1-2 Denmark
Matchday 4: Denmark 0-0 ITALY, Sweden 1-0 Serbia
Matchday 5: Denmark 2-1 Sweden, ITALY 3-0 Serbia
Matchday 6 (9 June): Serbia vs Denmark, Sweden vs ITALY

Standings: Denmark 11 points, ITALY 8, Sweden 7, Serbia 1