Along the tree-lined avenues of the Tirrenia training centre, there’s a special feeling in the air driven by the Azzurri’s motivation. Rather than the final training of a long season, it feels like the beginning something new. With each training session, the fatigue and pressure of what’s at stake gradually turn into excitement, a sense of belonging, and a shared determination to chase the World Cup dream together. That is the atmosphere in which the Italy Women’s national team are preparing for their crucial final Group 1 matches against Serbia and Sweden, scheduled for Friday 5 June in Pisa (18:15, Rai 2) and Tuesday 9 June in Gothenburg (19:00, Rai 2).

Two more wins are needed to push for top spot in the group which would allow Andrea Soncin’s side to secure qualification for the tenth edition of the tournament without having to go through a tricky end-of-year play-off. Much will depend on the 90 minutes at the Arena Garibaldi–Romeo Anconetani, where Italy will play for the first time (ticket information available here), and on the simultaneous match between Denmark and Sweden (kick-off 19:15), with the Azzurre hoping for a Danish result that would put them back in control of their own destiny ahead of a decisive final game at the Gamla Ullevi Stadium four days later. But for now, the focus is entirely on Serbia. “We mustn’t be fooled by the 6-0 from the first leg,” said Elena Linari in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV. “We just have to think about the next match, take home three points, and then approach the trip to Scandinavia in the best possible way. We know how important both games are, but there’s no point looking too far ahead.”

A principle this team has always followed closely, putting past highs and lows behind them to focus fully on the present. “Our main strength,” said the London City Lionesses defender, “is definitely our unity, always fighting for each other. Maybe after the Euros we lost a bit of that, which can happen after the excitement of last summer. In the upcoming games, we’ll have to show once again that we’re back to being a great team.” To do that, the new arrivals will also be important, as they look to grow into bigger roles with the support of the more experienced players. “Change and renewal are necessary,” Linari added. “We’re really happy that more and more players are joining the group. We just try to keep them calm, give them a few tips and advice, and correct small mistakes in training so they don’t carry them into matches, when emotions inevitably take over.”

SQUAD LIST

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

Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Inter), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Huston 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 Monaco), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);

Forward: 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).

THE SCHEDULE

Tuesday 3 June

17:30 Training session

Thursday 4 June

15:45 Head coach + player press conference, Arena Garibaldi Stadium (Pisa)

17:00 MD-1 training session, Arena Garibaldi Stadium (Pisa)

Friday 5 June

18:15 ITALY vs Serbia (live on Rai 2)

Saturday 6 June

10:30 Training session

Sunday 7 June

10:30 Training session

17:00 Flight departure for Gothenburg

Monday 8 June

TBC Video press conference

18:00 MD-1 training session, Gamla Ullevi Stadium

Tuesday 9 June

19:00 Sweden vs ITALY (live on Rai 2)

After the match: return to Italy and end of delegation duties

Schedule, results and standings – Group 1 (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

Standings: Denmark 8 points, Sweden 7, Italy 5, Serbia 1

Matchday 5 (5 June): Denmark vs. Sweden, ITALY vs. Serbia

Matchday 6 (9 June): Serbia vs. Denmark, Sweden vs. ITALY