As we read on the official channels of the FIGC, in the stadium where in 2004 a generation of Italian talents led by the future world champions Amelia, Barzagli, Zaccardo, De Rossi and Gilardino ascended the throne of Europe with the National Under 21 team, the Italy Women’s coach Andrea Soncinis ready to compete with Germany in the last match of 2024. After playing on equal terms with Spain, tomorrow at the Ruhrstadion in Bochum (8.30 pm, live on Rai Sport) – in front of the general secretary of the FIGC Marco Brunelli – the Italians they are awaited by another final exam at the home of the German battleship, fourth in the FIFA Ranking behind the Iberian selection.
The ups and downs of 2023 are now a distant memory and the team led by new coach Christian Wück is roaring back, as demonstrated by the excellent run in the European qualifiers (5 wins and one knockout) and by the last two away matches, the first won 4- 3 at Wembley with England – in the re-edition of the EURO 2022 final – the second landslide win in Zurich against Switzerland, overwhelmed 6-0 by Freigang and his teammates. In front of the cameras RaiSportso Soncin: “It will be a very useful test in view of the next events. They are very strong, with individuality of the highest level. When you study this type of opponent you almost end up with a headache (laughs, ed.), but we have the characteristics to put them in great difficulty, both in the phase of play and in attacking depth. It is a team that attacks with many players and which consequently concedes something, we will have to be good at occupying the right spaces at the right time.”
The coach is aware of the great progress of his national team but does not like to dwell on the past and, as he admits, prefers to project himself onto the next challenges. “I am happy with the relationship that has been created with the team, who experience every meeting with availability, enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility. The new arrivals integrated immediately and tomorrow we will also give space to those who have played less so far. The starting point is excellent and allows us to look to the future with optimism. We are creating something beautiful.” A concept also reiterated by Linari, one of the three players most used in the Soncin management (she only missed the 90 minutes with Malta), who summarizes the thoughts of all the Azzurre thus: “We are a compact and fierce group, who love this shirt and the beautiful coat of arms we wear on our chest.”
After this morning’s training in Coverciano, in the afternoon Italy will fly to Dortmund and from there will travel by coach to nearby Bochum where the traditional walk around the stadium is planned. Tomorrow there will be over 15 thousand spectators pushing the hosts: despite the incandescent atmosphere, no fear, also because the Italian movement continues to grow and the gap with the best national teams in the world is now minimal. “We will face the match as we did against Spain, trying to show courage and personality – concluded the defender, one step away from 108 appearances for the blue team – we will play openly despite knowing that we will be facing a very strong opponent. These are the matches that allow us to raise the bar and prepare in the best possible way for the Nations League and the European Championship.”
THE LIST OF CALLED PEOPLE
GOALKEEPERS: Matilde Copetti (Parma), Francesca Durante (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (Milan), Margot Shore (Bologna);
DEFENDERS: Valentina Bergamaschi (Juventus), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Federica D’Auria (Lazio), Lucia Di Guglielmo (Roma), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Fiorentina), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (Roma), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio ), Julie Piga (Milan), Angelica Soffia (Milan);
MIDFIELDS: Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Eleonora Goldoni (Lazio), Giada Greggi (Roma), Nadine Nischler (Como), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina);
ATTACKERS: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Fiorentina), Michela Cambiaghi (Inter), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Benedetta Glionna (Roma).
THE PROGRAM
Sunday 1st December
5.00pm flight departure for Dortmund and subsequent transfer to Bochum
7.45pm walk around at the Ruhrstadion stadium in Bochum
Monday 2 December
8.30pm Germany-ITALY match
Tuesday 3 December
Return to Italy and dissolution of the delegation.