The smiles and confidence that Barbara Bonansea and Emma Severini respond to journalists’ questions with at Coverciano highlight that nothing has changed in the magical atmosphere the players and Azzurre staff were able to foster during the Euro 2025 campaign. The goal for Andrea Soncin’s team now is to build on that momentum and those emotions to continue growing and head into the 2027 World Cup in the best form possible.

 

To prepare for the start of the World Cup qualification campaign in February, it was agreed upon to play two challenging and exciting friendlies. Over the course of the four days, the Azzurre will play Japan and Brazil, both ahead in the FIFA rankings. The first match is scheduled for Friday at 18:15 CEST at the ‘Sinigaglia’ stadium in Como, a place that Bonansea knows well after winning the last edition of the Coppa Italia there last May in front of over 7,000 spectators. She told Vivo Azzurro TV, “It’s really encouraging to play matches at this level. We can’t wait to take the pitch and see where we stand. We’re ready to put the Coach’s words into practice: ‘Don’t ever believe you can’t do it…’

It's crucial to raise the expectations, and players in this Azzurre team are more than capable, as shown over the past two years and especially over July in Switzerland, where the Juventus forward, who scored the temporary lead in the semi-final against England, stood out. “Looking back at the Euros is bittersweet,” commented the 33-year-old from Pinerolo. “But we’re returning with the same determination and zeal for the upcoming games. We still have a lot of room to grow, and the coach asks us to give the team the best version of ourselves.” While discussing Sara Gama’s new role, Bonansea said, “It was incredible to see her back in our kit yesterday. She has always been the kind of teammate who keeps everyone focused in the dressing room, and I’m sure she’ll do the same as head of delegation.”

Severini said the presence of the legendary Azzurre captain is “a very powerful image for the national team; it gives us the determination to keep going to bring women’s football to where it deserves to be,” Words that, despite her own young age of 22, demonstrate the maturity of the Fiorentina captain, who is also ready to revisit the memories of the Euros that ended three months ago. “What we achieved was huge and have us the confidence to keep going,” she added. “This team has already impressed and will continue to do so. During our time in Switzerland, we grew mentally, took a big step in the right direction, we definitely won’t stop now. Challenging and exciting challenges lie ahead, opponents we want to face and beat together.”

With her classic blend of elegance and strong character, seen on the pitch too, the midfielder addressed those who criticised her following the challenge that led to England’s 2-1 penalty: “People often speak out of ignorance; one mistake doesn’t justify the threats I received. I was the first one to be self-critical and chose not to listen to the comments on social media.” She then revealed her aim: “Just thinking about the World Cup gives me goosebumps. We know how much we want it, and we’ll do everything to get there.”

Tomorrow, at 10:30 CEST, Azzurre will have their final training session at Coverciano. Following the final pre-match press conference, the team will travel to Como, where the city is set to show their support for the National team.

SQUAD LIST

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

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

 

SCHEDULE

Thursday, 23 October

10:30 CEST – Official training MD-1 (first 15 minutes open to media)

14:00 CEST – Press conference with the coach + player

16:30 CEST – Departure for Como and stadium walkaround at ‘Sinigaglia’

Friday, 24 October

18:15 CEST – ITALY vs. Japan

Next match – Return to Coverciano

Saturday, 25 October

10:30 CEST – Training

Sunday, 26 October

10:30 CET – Training

16:00 CET – Travel to Parma

Monday, 27 October

17:45 CET – Press conference with the Coach + players at the ‘Tardini’

18:30 CET(tbc) – Official MD-1 training at ‘Tardini’

Tuesday, 28 October

18:15 CET– ITALY vs. Brazil

Next match– team disbanded