European teams continue to advance at the World Cup, with Germany and Norway being the first two teams to qualify for the quarter-finals after wins against Nigeria (3-0) and Australia (on penalties) respectively. Given that the best three European sides will earn a spot at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Italy are looking at what’s going on with a keen interest.

But in the meantime, the Azzurre need to think about their round of 16 clash against China, the first knockout match for Milena Bertolini’s side at the tournament. 18,000 tickets have been sold for the game, which will kick off at 18:00 CEST on Tuesday at the Stade de La Mosson in Montpellier. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Director General Marco Brunelli are both set to attend.

Against a defence that only conceded one goal during the group stage, set-pieces could prove decisive. And Italy have a specialist in Valentina Cernoia, who celebrated turning 28 yesterday in the hotel with cake and candles: “It was a birthday with a World Cup theme,” she said during her press conference. “It was very exciting. Now, I would like my present to be qualification for the quarters.”

She’s considered by many to be one of the strongest midfielders at the World Cup, and her left foot is a precious weapon at Head Coach Bertolini’s disposal: “I always felt we could do something big. This Italy side still has a lot to offer. We’re capable of surprising everyone who’s following us from home and, above all, ourselves. Perhaps nobody expected us to do what we’ve done so far at this World Cup, and we still want to clinch great results.” The defeat against Brazil, which wasn’t enough to knock the Azzurre off top spot, hasn’t dampened the spirit of the group: “It hasn’t affected us at all because we’re aware that we put in a fantastic performance against a very strong side. Against China, we’ll have to be creative and show imagination in the way we play, while we’ll also have to manage the ball well. They play in sync and try to stifle you with their pressing. We need to strike a blow at the right time and find the right bit of play to score first in the match.”

Cernoia grew up in Brandico, a comune in the province of Brescia with less than 2000 inhabitants. After trying out swimming and karate, she found her calling when she turned to football. Originally a full-back, she then became a midfielder. While at Brescia, she made more than 200 appearances and won everything that there was to be won. Not only that, she convinced everyone of her talents to the extent that she was given the title ‘Lionessa della Città’ (‘Lioness of the City’): “It was by being at Brescia that I became known on the Italian football scene. Together with my teammates, we bring our passion out onto the pitch. We’re normal girls, but unfortunately we won’t be able to live off what we go on to earn in our careers. Nevertheless, the message we send out is that you can achieve great results by displaying passion and determination.” The hope is that these results will make a difference over the long term: “I hope that this World Cup serves as a springboard and that the media attention continues. Furthermore, I hope we’ll be considered on a par with our male colleagues.”

Schedule

Sunday 23 June
13:45 - Press conference (with a player at the hotel)
18:00 - Training (closed)

Monday 24 June
16:00 - Training (First 15 minutes open to the press)
18:30 - Press conference at the Stade de La Mosson (Coach and one player)
19:00 - Walkaround

Tuesday 25 June
18:00 - Italy vs. China (media activities to follow)

Note: All times CEST and subject to change