Growing adrenaline, nerves, anticipation and fine-tuning every detail, however small, because everything can make a difference, especially at a World Cup: all of this is part of the build-up to the Azzurrine’s World Cup debut, as the emotions come to a head in the technical meetings and final training session ahead of the tournament opener. Tomorrow, the Women’s U20 National Team will make their World Cup debut against the United States at 18:00 CEST (live on Rai Sport) and return to the competition 14 years after Italy’s sole previous appearance in Japan, in 2012. On that occasion, Italy’s only goal of the tournament was scored by Elena Linari. Today, Nicola Matteucci’s squad is made up of players born in 2006, 2007, and 2008, including Giada Catena and Gabriella Langella. The two midfielders were not part of the Azzurre squad at last year’s Women’s U19 European Championship and represent fresh quality in the team, ready to experience a tournament they will remember for a long time.

“I feel excited,” Langella admits, “because this is my first World Cup. It’s a mix of emotions, but I’m sure that tomorrow, when I step onto the pitch, everything will turn into adrenaline. We’re happy to finally get out there and play. And I’m sure we’ll put on a great team performance.”

Giada Catena is focused on tomorrow’s opponents, one of the leading contenders for the title: “We know how strong the United States are, so we have to approach the game in the best way possible, showcasing the qualities that have allowed us to get this far.”

The opponents. The United States are one of the most prestigious teams in the competition and will be targeting the title. Already champions in 2008 and 2012, the Americans also won the first edition in 2002, although on that occasion (as in 2004) the tournament was reserved for U19 National Teams. Among their most talented players is undoubtedly Micayla Johnson, an attacking winger who is comfortable on both feet, excels in one-on-one situations, and has already made her mark in the top US division despite her very young age (she was born in 2008). Alex Buck is another player to keep an eye on, as she is a physically imposing, tall striker with excellent acceleration. Considering all FIFA women’s World Cups, at both senior and youth level, Italy and the United States have met only once, in a two-legged tie in 2010. It was an intercontinental play-off for a place at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, with the USA progressing thanks to two 1-0 wins, first in Padova and then in Chicago. The United States went on to reach the final of the competition, where they lost on penalties to Japan.

 

The World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Elena Belli (Inter), Erica Di Nallo (Vicenza), Lavinia Tornaghi (AC Milan);

Defenders: Martina Bressan (Inter), Martina Cocino (Aarau), Lidia Consolini (Inter), Azzurra Gallo (Tolosa), Emma Lombardi (Fiorentina), Martina Tosello (Cesena), Caterina Venturelli (Sassuolo);

Midfielders: Giada Catena (Res Donna Roma), Maya Cherubini (Fiorentina), Paola Fadda (Sassuolo), Gabriella Langella (Napoli Women), Sofia Testa (Ternana Women), Marta Zamboni (Como Women);

Forwards: Karen Appiah (Cesena), Giulia Galli (Roma), Giada Pellegrino Cimò (Roma), Manuela Sciabica (Lazio), Rosanna Ventriglia (Ternana Women).

Staff – Head coach: Nicola Matteucci; methodology coach: Fabio Andolfo; assistant coach: Erika Lisi; goalkeeper coach: Mattia Volpi; fitness coaches: Lorenzo Corsi and Vincenzo Piermatteo; match analyst: Alessandro Rossi; doctors: Michela Cammarano and Andrea Gattelli; physiotherapists: Marco Fiore and Eugenio Zarcone; nutritionist: Vito Flavio Valletta; secretary: Aurora Leo.

 

The Azzurrine’s schedule

Sunday 6 September, 18:00 CEST: United States vs. Italy (Lodz, ‘Stadion Miejski’ – live on RaiSport)

Wednesday 9 September, 15:00 CEST: Italy vs. New Zealand (Lodz, ‘Stadion Miejski’ – live on RaiSport)

Saturday 12 September, 15:00 CEST: Italy vs. Japan (Lodz, ‘Stadion Miejski’ – live on RaiSport)

 

The World Cup groups

Group A: Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Benin

Group B: Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, England

Group C: France, South Korea, Ecuador, Ghana

Group D: Japan, New Zealand, United States, ITALY

Group E: North Korea, Portugal, Costa Rica, Colombia

Group F: Spain, Nigeria, New Caledonia, China