It’s the second day of the training camp in Riscone di Brunico for the Women’s National Team ahead of the FIFA World Cup in France between 7 June and 7 July. In the morning, the team trained on the pitch and the gym before tactical and athletic work on the pitch in the afternoon. They are crucially important days for the Azzurre with the Coach Milena Bertolini to announce the official squad of 23 for the World Cup on Friday.

Today is a special day for Illaria Mauro who will celebrate her 31st birthday in the evening with the team. "I’m happy to celebrate it here," said the Fiorentina Women’s forward. "The gift I’d like the most is to go to France and look to stay there as long as possible, obviously the dream would be to win the World Cup. We’re a humble side and we’ve got our feet on the ground but we know that we can play against anyone." After scoring 12 in the league and two in the Champions League, Ilaria discussed who her game is reminiscent of. "In terms of my characteristics, I think I’m a bit similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now, I can’t wait to play in this World Cup and I’m very curious to see what the atmosphere will be like."

The first player to wish her a happy birthday this morning was Stefania Tarenz, fellow striker and a former roommate of the Viola forward. "in recent years, I’ve made sacrifices and worked hard to be here," said Stefania who’s scored 13 goals for Chievo Verona this season. In France, we have to look to enjoy ourselves and calmly experience this World Cup while looking to make the Italy fans happy."

Squad list for the third stage of the pre-tournament camp

 

Goalkeepers: Francesca Durante (Fiorentina Women’s), 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 Cimini Tucceri (Milan);

Midfielders: Greta Adami (Fiorentina Women’s), Lisa Alborghetti (Milan), 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).

 

Staff – Head Coach: Milena Bertolini; Accompanying director: Elide Martini; Secretary: Alessandra Savini Nicci; Assistant coach: Attilio Sorbi and Federica D’Astolfo; Fitness coaches: Stefano D’Ottavio and Francesco Perondi; Goalkeeping coach: Cristiano Viotti; Match analyst: Marco Mannucci; Doctors: Matteo Guzzini and Marco Scarcia; Physiotherapist: Maurizio D’Angelo, Roberto Cardarelli and Daniele Frosoni; Nutritionist: Natale Gentile.