Italian Women’s National Team coach Milena Bertolini has announced her 26-player squad for the three fixtures that the Azzurre face in the Arnold Clark Cup in February.
The Azzurre will take on Belgium on February 16 before facing European champions England on February 19 and South Korea on February 22.
Juventus (eight), Fiorentina (five) and Serie A Femminile leades AS Roma (five) dominate the squad called up by Bertolini, with La Viola’s upturn in form in 2022/23 being rewarded at international level. Nineteen-year-old Emma Severini’s inclusion is particularly notable as a regular in the underage squads.
Both Giada Greggi and Annamaria Serturini of Roma are named in the squad, with each having been surprisingly left out of the squad for the disappointing European Championship campaign in 2022.
Marta Mascarello (Fiorentina) had been included in the original 26-player squad but was replaced by Everton’s Aurora Galli due to injury.
What is the Arnold Clark Cup?
The Arnold Clark Cup is an invitational international football competition organised by the English Football Association.
The competition was first held in 2022, with hosts England winning. Spain were runners-up ahead of Canada and Germany. In 2023, Italy will compete with the Lionesses, Belgium and South Korea.
Bristol, Coventry and Milton Keynes are the chosen venues for the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Italy squad for the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup
Goalkeepers
Rachele Baldi (Fiorentina), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan), Katja Schroffenegger (Fiorentina).
Defenders
Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Federica Cafferata (Fiorentina), Maria Luisa Filangeri (Sassuolo), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (AS Roma), Benedetta Orsi (Sassuolo), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus).
Midfielders
Arianna Caruso (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Aurora Galli (Everton).
Forwards
Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Agnese Bonfantini (Sampdoria), Sofia Cantore (Juventus), Michela Catena (Fiorentina), Valentina Giacinti (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Martina Piemonte (Milan), Elisa Polli (Inter), Annamaria Serturini (Roma).
