Few thought that Italy would be facing Brazil on Tuesday with qualification to the last 16 already secured. However, after victories against both Australia and Jamaica, the Azzurre are now in pole position going into their last group game in Valenciennes (21:00 CEST – Stade du Hainaut).   

Securing top spot in the group would guarantee Italy a full week of preparation for their last 16 test on 25th June – when they would then face one of the best third-placed sides from either Group A, B or F. Only a draw is needed for the Azzurre, however, Head Coach Milena Bertolini is only focused on securing one result: “We’ll be playing to win,” said Bertolini during her pre-match press conference. “We’re aware that finishing in the group first, second or third makes an enormous difference. We’d be facing some of the biggest teams should we finish third.”

As usual, Bertolini was giving nothing away in regard to her starting line-up: “We’ll be training later on this evening, while tomorrow I’ll assess who’ll play. Italy vs. Brazil is a fascinating clash because it’s part of football’s fabric. It’s great to experience it as Head Coach. The squad is doing well, the girls are clearly a bit tired because we played two tough matches from both a physical and mental point of view. This game will help us understand where we are in terms of growth, facing off against a side full of experience and quality.”

In addition to the Azzurre, the full National Team set-up is currently enjoying success throughout the ranks, whether that be Mancini’s men’s team, the Under-21s’ victory against Spain or the Under-20 side reaching the World Cup semi-finals: “It’s important for the National Teams to be playing good football and to share the same values such as helping each other out on the pitch and enjoying being together. There is also a great sense of belonging.”

Brazil are currently ahead of Italy in the FIFA Rankings and come into the game as favourites. They have also never lost against the Azzurre, notably beating Italy 2-0 in the World Cup over 20 years ago: “I remember that match well,” said Bertolini. “It’s one of my most vivid memories from the 1982 World Cup.” As for Captain Sara Gama, she’s also aware that the Verdeoro are favourites: “They’re stronger than us on paper. They some great players that can trouble us. However, we can play this match with less stress, we can enjoy it even if we know the difference it makes by finishing first, second or third. We’re coming up against some great strikers here: after Kerr and Shaw, we’re now facing another quality attacker in Marta. However, it’s not a challenge between me and her. We’ll work as a team to contain her, as we’ve done so far.” 

National Team’s schedule

Tuesday 18 June
21:00 CEST - Italy-Brazil (Stadio du Hainaut)