The Azzurre’s World Cup debut edges ever closer. Linari and Mauro: “We’re motivated and we can’t wait to start”
After the National Women’s Team trained in Valenciennes this morning, the two Azzurre players had this to say: “We’ve been preparing for a month, we’re ready for Australia”Thursday, June 6, 2019
With now just four days to go until the National Women’s Team make their debut in the World Cup, the competition will officially begin tomorrow evening with a match between France and South Korea in Paris. It’s been a long 20-year wait for Italy, who’ll be in action at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes on Sunday. The first obstacle for the Azzurre, who arrived in France yesterday afternoon, will be Australia, who’re coincidentally staying in the same hotel as Italy.
After today’s session, both Elena Linari and Ilaria Mauro revealed their excitement to the press: “We can’t wait to get going in this World Cup,” said Linari. “We’ve been preparing for quite a while and we’re ready. We have great humility within our ranks and I think that this is the key to success. We’re ready and proud to represent Italy. To the fans, I say this: follow us, we’ll make it worth it.” As for Mauro, she added: “We’re extremely focused and we can’t wait to start. Football is a great part of my life and wearing this shirt is a fantastic feeling. There are plenty of Italians supporting us and we’ll also take to the field for them. We trained really well once again today. We worked on our attack and defence, as well as set-pieces where Australia are particularly effective.”
One individual that the Azzurre must play close attention to will be Sam Kerr, a player who’s scored 31 goals in 76 appearances for her National Team: “She’s extremely strong and fast,” said Linari. “We must keep a close eye on her.” Mauro added she is one the “strongest players in the world”.
World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Laura Giuliani (Juventus), Chiara Marchitelli (Florentia), Rosalia Pipitone (AS Roma);
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (AS Roma), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Laura Fusetti (Milan), Sara Gama (Juventus), Alia Guagni (Fiorentina Women’s), Elena Linari (Atletico Madrid), Linda Tucceri Cimini (Milan);
Midfielders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus), Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Milan), Alice Parisi (Fiorentina Women’s), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Annamaria Serturini (AS Roma);
Forwards: Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina Women’s), Daniela Sabatino (Milan), Stefania Tarenzi (Chievo Verona).
National Team schedule (all times CEST)
Friday 7 June
11:00 – Training at the Stadio Christophe Laurent in Valenciennes (behind closed doors)
14:00 – Lunch followed by a press conference with a player at the Hotel.
Saturday 8 June
11:00 CEST – Training at the Stadio Christophe Laurent in Valenciennes (first 15 minutes open to public)
13:30 – Press conference at the Stadio du Hainaut (Head Coach and a player)
14:00 - Walk around
Sunday 9 June
13:00 – Australia vs. Italy (Stadio du Hainaut)
Followed by press conference
Monday 10 June
10:00 – Training at the Stadio Christophe Laurent in Valenciennes (first 15 minutes open to public)
Followed by press commitments
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – Departure for Reims from Valenciennes
16:15 – Arrival in Reims
Tuesday 11 June
13:00 – Lunch
Followed by a press conference with a player at the Hotel
18:00 – Training at the Stadio Jean Bucton (first 15 minutes open to public)
Wednesday 12 June
13:00 – Lunch
Followed by a press conference with a player at the Hotel
18:00 – Training at the Stadio Jean Bucton (behind closed doors)
Thursday 13 June
11:00 – Training at the Stadio Jean Bucton (first 15 minutes open to public)
18:30 – Press conference at the Stadio Auguste Delaune (Head Coach and a player)
19:00 - Walkaround
Friday 14 June
18:00 – Jamaica vs. Italy (Stadio Auguste Delaune)
Followed by press conference
Saturday 15 June
10:00 – Training (first 15 minutes open to public)
Followed by press commitments
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – Bus for Lille
16:45 – Arrival in Lille
Sunday 16 June
12:30 – Lunch
Followed by a press conference with a player at the Hotel
18:00 – Training at Le Stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq (behind closed doors)
Monday 17 June
17:00 – Press conference at the Stadio du Hainaut (Head Coach and a player)
19:00 – Training at Le Stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq (first 15 minutes open to public)
Tuesday 18 June
21:00 – Italy vs. Brasile (Stadio du Hainaut)
Followed by press conference
N.B. The schedule could be subject to changes