The match
This is Italy’s fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and the first since Serie A became a professional concern. Following a 20-year absence, Milena Bertolini’s side made quite an impression at France 2019, reaching the quarter-finals after beating China PR in the round of 16.
The question is, which Italy will turn up here: the surprise packages of the last World Cup or the team that disappointed at UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, where they picked up a solitary point in their group? The answer will come when they step out at Eden Park.
As for Argentina, this is a date with history. Appearing in the competition for a fourth time, after USA 2003, China 2007 and France 2019, the Argentinians believe their wait for a maiden win at the competition will soon be over. That is the mindset they will be taking into their Australia & New Zealand 2023 debut.
In a group that also comprises Sweden and South Africa, this game is vital to both sides’ hopes of progressing to the knockout phase. It promises to be quite an occasion in Auckland.
Team news
Argentina coach German Portanova has given very little away about team selection ahead of their group opener. Though heavy rain has hampered their preparations in Auckland, the South Americans can be expected to play an enterprising game, with much expected from the front trio of Yamila Rodriguez, Mariana Larroquette and Estefania Banini.
Italy coach Bertolini usually employs a 4-3-3 formation, with Manuela Giugliano directing operations and Martina Rosucci bringing a touch of quality to the midfield. Le Azzurre are going through a transitional period and are striving for a balance between experience and youth. They will remain faithful to Bertolini’s style, however, playing at a high tempo and moving the ball around.
Players to watch
Cristiana Girelli (Italy)
Italy’s attacking spearhead is their most popular player. Bertolini has every faith in the experience and technical ability of the Juventus forward, whose hat-trick against Jamaica at France 2019 will long be remembered in Italian football. With 25 goals for her club this season, Girelli is determined to prove she still has what it takes on the big stage.
Estefania Banini (Argentina)
Banini continues to enthral the national team’s fans with her superlative late-career form, with memories still fresh of her electric and typically Argentinian dribbling at the last World Cup. Now 33 but still a high-quality performer, as she showed at the end of last season with Atletico Madrid, she is keen to prove she still has much to offer in an attack-minded set-up.
Facts and figures
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Argentina have lost seven of their nine Women’s World Cup matches to date and drawn the other two, both of them coming at France 2019.
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Goalkeeper Vanina Correa is the only member of the Albiceleste squad to have been present at every one of their four World Cup appearances so far.
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Italy were one of the 12 sides that took part in the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991. They returned to the competition at USA 1999 and were then absent until France 2019. This is the first time that they have qualified for back-to-back World Cups.
Quotes
“We were at the opening ceremony and it was wonderful. We can’t wait to get out there and play. It’s not going to be easy because they’re skilful and very aggressive. We’ve been through a tough patch, but we’ll give our all to come away with something here. We have to dream big.”
Barbara Bonansea, Italy forward
“Italy are a team that’s on the way up. They’re competitive and they’re qualifying for World Cups. It’s going to be tough for us. We can try to hold our own against them and maybe go for the win, but it’s always hard against European teams. We’ll just have to plug away and try to get through.”
Vanina Correa, Argentina goalkeeper
