The run-up to Euro 2022 will finish with a prestigious friendly for Italy Women, who are currently holding a training camp at the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile. On Friday 1 July, the Azzurre will face Spain in Castel di Sangro, where, from 20 June, their final pre-tournament preparations will take place.

Milena Bertolini’s side last came up against the Spaniards in March 2018. Back then, goals from Sampedro and Guijarro secured the Cyprus Cup for the Furie Rosse. At the Stadio Teofilo Patini, where the Azzurre have already got the better of Romania (2017), Malta (2019) and Croatia (2021), the two teams will meet for the 17th time. Italy’s record against Spain is good (eleven wins compared to two), although their last victory came in a friendly in 2002.

Jorje Vilda Rodríguez’s side, who are seventh in the FIFA Ranking, will represent the Azzurre’s final test before they travel to England on Monday 4 July. It’ll be a difficult challenge against one of the main contenders for the European Championship trophy, with Spain having many champions in their ranks. One such champion is Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas, who won the 2021 Ballon d’Or.

Before heading to Coverciano and then Castel di Sangro, Italy will continue to put in the hard work at the Suning Training Centre until Friday 10 June. In the next few days, the Head Coach will announce her squad for the second phase of training. This will start on Monday after the arrival of the Juventus and Roma players, who were granted a week off by the Head Coach to recover from their Coppa Itala final exploits. With Napoli goalkeeper Rachele Baldi currently unavailable, Milena Bertolini currently has 28 Azzurre at her disposal. This afternoon, they’ll hold their second session of the day.