A new journey begins. With “emotion and adrenaline,” as Andrea Soncin put it, the national women’s team is ready to start its World Cup qualifying campaign and pursue the dream of reaching Brazil 2027. Tomorrow in Reggio Calabria (18:15 CET, live on Rai 2), Italy will face Sweden in a crucial match. Only the top team in Group 1 of League A, which also includes Denmark, the Azzurre’s next opponent, and Serbia, will secure direct qualification for the 10th edition of the World Cup. 

 “The emotion of starting this journey is incredible,” said the Head Coach at the press conference ahead of the final training session. “There’s a positive tension that pushes us to give our best. I’m proud of what the players have done during this training camp, and we can’t wait to get on the pitch. We’re focused on our identity, but we also respect Sweden’s strength. We’ve come close to beating them before, and those missed chances give us extra motivation to keep improving and move closer to the goal we’re chasing.”

The goal, earning a place at the World Cup finals, will also depend on the 90 minutes at the ‘Oreste Granillo’ Stadium, which is ready to stand behind the team. More than 4,000 tickets have been issued so far (available at Vivaticket outlets and on figc.vivaticket.it until kick-off), and interest in the Azzurri colors, along with Baby K’s halftime performance, is expected to drive sales right up until the match begins. “For three years now,” Soncin added, “we’ve been traveling around the country, bringing this jersey to places where it can inspire young people. I want to thank Reggio and everyone we’ve met along the way. We want to repay that support with a performance full of passion.” 

Against the Scandinavians led by new head coach Tony Gustavsson, who will be in the stands tomorrow due to suspension, the team will need another “magical night,” like the ones Linari and her teammates experienced last summer in Switzerland. “We have to remember that we reached the European Championship semifinals and that opponents now see us differently,” said the London City Lionesses defender. “This team brings strong emotions. We’re showing in training how much we’re worth, working hard and enjoying ourselves at the same time, because that’s the best way to give our best. Our goal has to always be the three points.”

‘Linus’ is one of the coach’s most trusted players, having missed just one match under his leadership (the friendly against Malta in October 2024). “It’s impossible not to respect and care about the coach and the staff,” she said. “They’ve come into our environment quietly and with great humility, which isn’t something you always see today, when values like that are often overlooked. He believes in every one of us, and that’s why we have so much confidence in our abilities.” Linari also spoke about the support the team has received since arriving in Reggio Calabria. “We’re here to give young girls a dream they can believe in and chase, to carry the Azzurri colors everywhere and make everyone feel part of it. We’re chasing our dream together with the fans.”

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 Monaco), 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).

LEAGUE A GROUPS 

Group 1: Sweden, ITALY, Denmark, Serbia

Group 2: France, Netherlands, Poland, Republic of Ireland

Group 3: Spain, England, Iceland, Ukraine

Group 4: Germany, Norway, Austria, Slovenia

2027 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SCHEDULE 

Matchdays 1 and 2: 26 February - 7 March 2026

Matchdays 3 and 4: 9 - 18 April 2026

Matchdays 5 and 6: 3 - 9 June 2026

Play-off Draws Round 1 and 2: 24 June 2026

Play-off Round 1 (home and away): 7 - 13 October 2026

Play-off Round 2 (home and away): 26 November - 5 December 2026

Intercontinental Play-offs: February 2027