A new poster to get closer to the World Cup
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Women's Italy competes in Tbilisi in the first round of the play-offs for the 2027 World Cup against Belarus, in a direct elimination match; return Tuesday to Florence.
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
Arianna Caruso, key player for Italy Women, will not be able to participate in this double clash due to suspension. His absence, as well as that of Angelica Soffia, forces coach Andrea Soncin to adapt his strategy and strengthen the team's cohesion to maximize their chances of success against Belarus.
Why it matters
This meeting is crucial for Italy Women, who aim to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. Belarus, although lower ranked, represents an unexpected challenge, and each knockout match increases the pressure on the players. The absence of Arianna Caruso and Angelica Soffia could weigh heavily, making the task even more difficult for the team.
Key points
- A new poster to get closer to the World Cup.
- Women's Italy competes in Tbilisi in the first round of the play-offs for the 2027 World Cup against Belarus, in a direct elimination match; return Tuesday to Florence.
- Una sfida unedita per avvicinarsi al Mondiale: l'Italia è pronta alla sfida with la Bielorussia.
Women's Italy enters the first round of the qualifying play-offs for the 2027 World Cup with a surprising duel against Belarus. The match, which has never been seen before, will be played on neutral ground in Tbilisi, at the David Petriashvili stadium, this evening at 6:15 p.m. with broadcast provided by Rai 2. The meeting will take place behind closed doors. The return match is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, at the same time.
This is a direct elimination confrontation: whoever passes this round will then have to play a final against the winner of the duel between Serbia and Finland to try to win their ticket to the final phase of the World Cup. This path in the play-offs places the slightest mistake under high pressure, hence the importance of negotiating the first leg well despite the absence of important elements.
Coach Andrea Soncin will have to do without Arianna Caruso and Angelica Soffia, both suspended and therefore prohibited from participating in this double clash. The staff also decided to exclude three other players from the invited list for this match, without specifying their names. These absences force Soncin to review his automatisms and demonstrate collective resources to maintain control of the ball and remain solid defensively.
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The coach recalled this in the conference: “We are preparing for this game by trying to take advantage of our ideas of play, the desire to dominate and a fierce recovery of the ball. We have the qualities to manage possession, but we will need mental strength to experience all phases of the match. It's a goal and a dream for me and for the girls. »
Defensive captain Martina Lenzini insisted on the decisive nature of the meeting: “The confrontation with Belarus is being prepared like a cleaver match, a final where every detail counts and where a lot of energy and determination are needed, as requested by the coach, to win. »
On paper, Belarus is ranked 52nd in the FIFA rankings, which gives the Azzurre the status of favorites, but the format, the neutral venue and the absence of senior players make the matter more delicate than the rankings suggest. Italy will absolutely have to bring back a favorable result from Estonia – sorry, from Tbilisi – to approach the Florentine return with confidence and ambition.
This round of play-offs is a crucial step towards the World Cup, and each tactical or emotional detail can tip the double confrontation. The Blues will have little time to adjust their eleven and their game plan: the objective is clear, the road is narrow.
The rest
The return match in Florence will be decisive for Italy Women, who will have to overcome absences and win to continue their path towards the World Cup. The selection will also have to prepare to face either Serbia or Finland in the play-off final, another obstacle on the road to qualifying. The team's performance in these two matches could influence the dynamics and confidence for the next matches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of Italy Women in this match against Belarus?
Italy Women aims to qualify for the 2027 World Cup by facing Belarus in the first round of the play-offs.
Why is the match being played behind closed doors?
The match is being played behind closed doors, but the specific reasons for this decision are not specified in the article.
Who confirmed the absence of Arianna Caruso and Angelica Soffia?
The absence of Arianna Caruso and Angelica Soffia was confirmed by coach Andrea Soncin.
What are the consequences of this match for Italy Women?
This match is a direct elimination match, and the team that passes must then compete
play a final to try to get your ticket to the final phase of the World Cup.
What changes should coach Andrea Soncin make to his team?
Andrea Soncin must review her automatisms and demonstrate collective resources due to the absences of Caruso and Soffia, as well as three other unspecified players.