Italy
Italy come into this tournament with a wave of momentum following an excellent campaign where a flawless home record led to a superb qualification. The only game they lost in qualifying was when they had already secured first place and they won their other seven against good quality opposition. However they are untested against “great” opposition and a fixture against the Matildas first up will be a tough test for the Azzure. They will have to improve upon a couple of modest performances in recent friendlies, however the Italians usually find a way to switch on when big tournaments come around.
An experienced line-up with a squad of players right in the prime of their career, Italy will need to be at their very best in order to upset the Brazilians or the Matildas. Their second game against Jamaica will be tougher than they think as well, with the Reggae Galz likely viewing this match as the one they need to win.
PREDICTION: Group: 2nd Overall: Round of 16
Fact: Any mention of Australia vs Italy leaves many Australian fans to immediately burst into a hate filled rant even 13 years removed from that unfaithful fixture for the Socceroos in 2006. Even this writer, eight years old at the time, woke up at 3am with only hope and daring to dream of an even more spectacular performance than had already been. I refuse to write about what happened next, but let’s just say as soon as this fixture was announced again for the 2019 World Cup for the women, millions of Matilda’s supporters had revenge on their minds.
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