Italian
The call-ups for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Brazil have been announced. Sara Gama returns to the National Team as the new Head of Delegation.
COVERCIANO – The Italian women’s national football team reunites after the thrilling run at EURO 2025. In a year without the two major international tournaments, Italy will face two football powerhouses, Japan and Brazil, ranked seventh and eighth respectively in the world rankings. It’s an opportunity to observe the growth and progress of a team that has raised its standards significantly under coach Andrea Soncin.
The first match is scheduled for Friday, October 24 (6:15 PM, Rai 2) in Como against the Asian squad, followed by the second on Tuesday, October 28 (6:15 PM, Rai 2) in Parma versus the South Americans. These prestigious games precede a tour in Florida, where the Azzurre will face the most decorated national team in the world, the USA, twice—on November 29 in Orlando and December 2 in Fort Lauderdale.
For this occasion, the coach has called up 30 players, including two newcomers, some returning players, and the absence of two key players due to injury: Manuela Giugliano and Lucia Di Guglielmo, both from Roma. The captain of Parma, Caterina Ambrosi, and Roma forward Alice Corelli receive their first call-ups.
Giulia Dragoni returns to the squad after missing the European Championship due to ankle surgery. Alongside her are Lazio winger Federica D’Auria and Como midfielder Nadine Nischler. Compared to EURO 2025, Eleonora Goldoni and Annamaria Serturini are not called up.
The team will gather on Sunday, October 19, in Coverciano and then travel to Como on October 24, marking the first time there in 28 years. This will be their eighth encounter with Japan, a team Italy has always beaten except in the last meeting in 2015, a friendly that ended 1-0 while the Japanese were reigning world champions. Giuliani, Linari, and Girelli played in that match.
It will also be the eighth meeting with Brazil, a team Italy has never beaten. To try and make history, the match will be held at Parma’s ‘Tardini’ Stadium, where the Italian women’s team has never lost, boasting two wins and one draw. Tickets for both games are available at authorized Vivaticket agencies and on figc.vivaticket.it and vivaticket.com (click here for ticketing information).
Sara Gama returns to the National Team
Sara Gama’s return to the National Team is a homecoming. After nearly eighteen years proudly wearing the Azzurri colors, with 140 appearances, 7 goals, and participation in one World Cup and four European Championships (plus the 2008 U19 European title), the former captain of Italy and Juventus is now the team’s new Head of Delegation. The 36-year-old from Trieste takes over from another former Azzurra, Chiara Marchitelli, who served since July 2024.
Her presence is significant for someone who embodied the spirit of the sport for years, advocating for equality and players’ rights. She was also fundamental during the incredible journey at EURO 2025, even though she was there as a Rai Sport commentator, not as a player.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina commented on the appointment:
“I want to say ‘welcome home’ to Sara. In her new role, she will provide a crucial contribution to the federation’s efforts to promote the Azzurre, who represent the pinnacle of a rapidly evolving movement. I also take this opportunity to thank Chiara Marchitelli for the passion and dedication she has shown over the past years.”
The Squad Call-ups
Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Lazio), Astrid Gilardi (Como), Laura Giuliani (Milan);
Defenders: Caterina Ambrosi (Parma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Houston Dash), Federica D’Auria (Lazio), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Julie Piga (Milan), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (Milan);
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Nadine Nischler (Como), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Martina Tomaselli (Inter);
Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Alice Corelli (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Martina Piemonte (Lazio), Elisa Polli (Inter).
