Author: Chloe Beresford

Italy vs Brazil

Italy vs Brazil Preview: A Classic To Conjure Memories Of 1982?

Chloe Beresford Leave a comment

Italy may have already secured their place in the next round, but their final Group C encounter with Brazil still promises to be an intriguing clash as the latter also hope to advance. The Seleção will need to better Australia’s result against Jamaica to guarantee they remain in the competition, a tall order given the form of their next opponent.

Having reached the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, Italy have been one of the most surprising teams in France this summer, notching wins over Jamaica and Australia to sit comfortably atop the table with one round of matches remaining.

Milena Bertolini has been excellent thus far, the coach deploying her side in a basic 4-4-2 formation but constantly shifting her players around in order to exploit opposition weaknesses in each fixture. Read More

Jamaica vs Italy

Jamaica vs Italy Preview: Azzurre to seal knock-out spot?

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After winning their opening match at the World Cup, Italy will be looking to continue a surprisingly good start when they take on Jamaica at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims. The Azzurre beat Australia 2-1 in their first fixture while their next opponent lost 3-0 to Brazil, but know all about dealing with adversity.

Jamaica had to navigate a notoriously tough path through the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, eventually securing a place in France after beating Panama on penalties to reach the tournament for the first time in their history.

Back in 2010, their national football federation cut funding for the women’s team and completely disbanded it, only for Cedella Marley to pick up the baton four years later. She became the team’s ambassador and funded the team through her father’s charity, the Bob Marley Foundation. Read More

Australia vs Italy

Australia vs Italy Preview: Azzurre peaking at the right time?

Chloe Beresford Leave a comment

The Women’s World Cup continues with Australia vs Italy, a clash that will go a long way towards deciding which of these two nations advance to the next round, with Brazil and Jamaica rounding out Group C.

Australia arrive in France ranked as the 6th best team in the world and are the seeded side in this four-team pool, making them favourites to top the group. They are expected to win this opening match, despite the upheaval that followed the decision to sack Coach Alen Stajcic back in January.

Months of turmoil followed, but the Matildas are now led by former Australia international Ante Milicic. They won the inaugural Cup of Nations earlier this year yet went on to lose each of their two previous outings, beaten 5-3 by the United States and 3-0 by the Netherlands, meaning they will be looking to return to form against Italy. Read More