Italy Women’s National Team Faces Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Serbia and Sweden

The Italian women’s national football team has commenced a vital training camp in Tirrenia as they prepare for two pivotal matches that could pave the way for their third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. These upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Sweden mark the conclusion of Group 1 qualification for Brazil 2017.

Crucial Juncture for Qualification

Currently sitting third in the group, Italy trails Denmark by three points and Sweden by two. With Denmark and Sweden set to face each other, Italy’s upcoming matches offer a direct opportunity to influence their qualification fate. The team’s objective is clear: to secure maximum points from both encounters.

Coach’s Perspective on Serbia Clash

Head coach Andrea Soncin emphasized the significance of the upcoming match against Serbia in his press conference. He cautioned against complacency, warning that the team should not be deceived by the 6-0 victory in the first leg. “There is great responsibility within the team, great confidence in our values, and a clear objective in mind, which is to fight for direct qualification until the last second,” Soncin stated. He stressed the importance of managing this responsibility effectively, finding balance, and prioritising the team’s well-being to facilitate a collective effort towards success.

Choosing Pisa for Home Support

The decision to host the match against Serbia in Pisa is a strategic one, aiming to leverage the support of the home crowd. This will be the first time the women’s national team plays in Pisa, and the Arena is expected to provide the passionate atmosphere needed for such a decisive game. “I am very happy to play in Pisa because the public always provides important support. We chose the Arena for this warmth and passion in view of a decisive match for us,” Soncin commented.

World Cup Qualification Pathways

Qualification for the World Cup finals involves several routes. The top team in each group automatically qualifies. For teams in League A, the second and third-placed teams will enter playoffs, potentially facing strong opposition from other leagues. The fourth-placed teams will also have a pathway through playoffs against second and third-placed teams from League B. The winners of these playoff rounds will advance to a second stage to determine the final European qualifiers for the World Cup.

Group 1 Standings and Fixtures

The current standings in Group 1 (League A) reflect the tight competition: Denmark leads with 8 points, followed by Sweden with 7, Italy with 5, and Serbia with 1 point.

The remaining fixtures are:
* 5 June: Denmark vs. Sweden, Italy vs. Serbia
* 9 June: Serbia vs. Denmark, Sweden vs. Italy

Team’s Determination and Unity

Coach Soncin expressed strong faith in the human values of his squad, highlighting their collective determination to achieve their goal. The team understands the magnitude of the upcoming games and is focused on delivering strong performances to make history by securing another World Cup qualification. The upcoming matches against Serbia and Sweden are more than just games; they are opportunities to write another chapter in the history of Italian women’s football.

Datos clave
| Match | Date | Venue |
|—|—|—|
| Italy vs. Serbia | June 5 | Pisa |
| Sweden vs. Italy | June 9 | Sweden |

The upcoming matches are critical for the Italian women’s national team, directly impacting their chances of qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup. A strong performance, supported by home crowd enthusiasm in Pisa, could set them on a path to achieving this significant milestone in international women’s football.

Fuente: TuttoMercatoWeb (https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/calcio-femminile/prima-la-serbia-e-poi-la-svezia-l-italia-si-gioca-la-terza-qualificazione-al-mondiale-di-fila-2240284)

Datos clave