Full focus on the next objective: to take all three points in the next match, reopen the fight for top spot in the group and, with it, earn direct qualification for the World Cup. That’s the message from Elisabetta Oliviero, someone who knows all about driving forward, characterised by playing at full throttle. Among the 27 Azzurre currently working at Coverciano to prepare for the decisive two games away to Serbia and Denmark, the Lazio wing-back is ready to play her part, bringing sacrifice, selflessness and passion. These are the qualities Italy will need to show on Tuesday at 18:15 CEST in Leskovac, as they look to stay firmly in the running for a place at the next World Cup.

“The next two matches mean everything to us,” said the 28 year old from Pompei, speaking to Vivo Azzurro TV. “We’re heading to Serbia to try and get a win that can give us momentum. We’ve prepared everything in detail — it’s an extremely important match, one we need to throw ourselves into for the full 90 minutes and beyond, showing our Italian spirit and fighting together for the result we want.” The dream of reaching Brazil, where the tenth edition of the Women’s World Cup will be held in the summer of 2027, depends on two challenging away matches, where the team will not be able to play in front of their home fans. “The support from the fans has been really important in recent games, but we’re sure we’ll feel it even from afar. This is a wonderful team — we’re all very close as a group right now, and we’ll feel the warmth of everyone watching from home. Wearing this shirt is a privilege, but it comes with responsibility. We know what it means for the country, and we’re proud to represent it.”

Collective ambition and personal commitment: the combination that has allowed “Betta” to overcome every obstacle and establish herself as a key figure in the side coached by Andrea Soncin. Since her debut in February 2024, she has made 18 appearances and scored once. “It’s the attention to every tiny detail of the game that has brought me here,” she explained. “I keep working with total dedication, I obsess over every aspect, I push through fatigue to improve and always be available for the team.” At the heart of her words is gratitude — for everything that surrounds her, supports her and, in her own words, makes her happy. “Football was a my first love, and I think it was always destined to be. My family is my rock, and their support means everything to me. And then there’s the national team: an indescribable emotion, endless passion and affection.

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Astrid Gilardi (Como Women)*, Laura Giuliani, Margot Shore (Olympique Marseille)
Defenders: Caterina Ambrosi, Valentina Bergamaschi, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Martina Lenzini, Elena Linari, Marika Massimino, Elisabetta Oliviero, Cecilia Salvai, Angelica Soffia
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso, Giulia Dragoni, Aurora Galli, Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, Eva Schatzer, Emma Severini
Forwards: Chiara Beccari, Agnese Bonfantini, Michela Cambiaghi, Sofia Cantore, Cristiana Girelli, Benedetta Glionna, Martina Piemonte

*called up to replace Francesca Durante (Lazio)

SCHEDULE

Sunday 12 April

10:45 CEST – Training (closed)

Monday 13 April

10:00 CEST – Press conference

10:45 CEST – Training in Coverciano (media access for the first 15’)

15:45 CEST – Travel to Niš

Tuesday 14 April

18:15 CEST – Serbia vs Italy

Wednesday 15 April

10:45 CEST – Training in Coverciano (media access for the first 15’)

Thursday 16 April

15:30 CEST – Training (closed)

Friday 17 April

10:00 CEST – Press conference

10:45 CEST – Training in Coverciano (media access for the first 15’)

16:30 CEST – Travel to Copenhagen

19.15 CEST – Walk around Parken Stadion

Saturday 18 April

15:00 CEST – Denmark vs Italy