Italy Women’s Football Soars: Announces Landmark Friendlies with Japan & USA – A Boost for 2027 World Cup Qualifiers
Rome, Italy – In a significant development for Italian women’s football, the Azzurre have announced a series of high-profile international friendlies against Japan and the United States, setting the stage for their campaign towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This news, breaking today, underscores the growing prominence of the Italian team on the global stage and signals a commitment to raising the level of competition ahead of crucial qualifying matches.
October Showdown with Japan in Como
The Italian squad will first welcome Japan to the historic ‘Giuseppe Sinigaglia’ stadium in Como on October 24th. This marks Italy’s return to Como after 28 years, and the match is particularly poignant as it will be held at the same venue that hosted the Italian Cup final earlier this year, drawing a crowd of over 7,000 spectators. Historically, Italy has enjoyed a favorable record against Japan, winning seven of their eight encounters, with the sole defeat occurring in 2015. This match provides a valuable opportunity for fans to witness the team’s progress firsthand.
Stateside Challenge: Facing the World Champions
November will see the Italian team embark on a challenging tour of the United States, facing the four-time World Cup champions in two matches. The first game is scheduled for November 28th in Orlando at the Inter & Co Stadium, followed by a second match on December 1st in Fort Lauderdale at the Chase Stadium – the home of Inter Miami. This double-header represents a significant test for Andrea Soncin’s team, as they prepare to compete against the world’s best. The USWNT currently holds the second position in the FIFA rankings, trailing only Spain.
A Rising Tide: The Growth of Women’s Football in Italy
These friendlies aren’t just about the matches themselves; they represent a broader trend of increasing recognition and investment in Italian women’s football. Coach Andrea Soncin emphasized the importance of playing the October game in Italy to connect with fans and showcase the passion surrounding the national team. He also highlighted the prestige of the US invitation, stating it “further certifies the development that all the movement is in recent times.” This sentiment is echoed by the recent influx of Italian players – Sofia Cantore and Lisa Boattin – into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, a testament to the growing talent pool in Italy.
Historical Context: Italy vs. the USA
The rivalry between Italy and the USA in women’s football dates back to 1993, with the US holding a dominant record of 10 wins in 16 matches. However, Italy has secured notable victories, particularly in the 1980s, including a historic win in 1985 that marked the international debut of the USWNT. Understanding this history provides context for the upcoming matches and highlights the competitive spirit between these two nations. The US team’s subsequent success – four World Cup titles and five Olympic gold medals – underscores the level of competition Italy is preparing to face.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Brazil 2027
These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for the 2027 World Championship qualifying campaign, which begins next February. The matches against Japan and the USA will provide invaluable experience and allow Coach Soncin to assess his team’s strengths and weaknesses. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is clearly committed to supporting the growth of the women’s game, and these high-profile fixtures are a clear indication of that dedication. As the team prepares to embark on this exciting journey, fans can look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of Italian women’s football and its pursuit of glory on the world stage. The commitment to high-level competition, combined with the increasing visibility of Italian players abroad, positions the Azzurre for a strong showing in the years to come.
