“The goal was to get to the last window with the possibility of qualifying, now we are there and we have to hit the target”. This is what the coach of the Italian Women’s team says Andrea Soncin from Riscone where the Azzurre are preparing for the matches against the Netherlands, scheduled for Friday 12 July in Sittard (kick-off at 20:45), and Finland, Tuesday 16 July in Bolzano (kick-off at 19:00), matches valid for qualification for the 2025 European Championship.
“The Netherlands have retained many of the characteristics of the first leg, starting with their aggressiveness and their search for verticality. Perhaps they have changed something in defence, trying to have more width. We know they will try to start very aggressively, but we are aware that they can leave some spaces to play in.. – continues Soncin, focusing on the first of the two challenges – Our approach will be the same as in all the matches, we will go in search of victory aware of the excellent performance of the first leg, with great confidence and concentration, but also respect for an opponent who is of absolute value. We worked well to carry forward our game ideas, so far we have created a lot and achieved less than we could, but I know that all girls can be more impactful than they have been so far”.
Then there is the girls’ condition: “They all arrived in good condition, after all they have been followed and monitored daily this month, and they are also professionals with the right mentality. – continues Soncin, speaking about Finland – Their championship has already started, but many of the national teams play in championships that are at a standstill like ours or the Dutch one. The last match could be decisive and we will need the crowd and their support”.
Finally a thought on the new head of delegation Chiara Marchielli: “She is an important point of reference for the players and the staff, the relationship has been consolidated for months and is intensifying”.