Barcelona’s 16-year-old midfielder, Giulia Dragoni, has been selected by Italy for their 23-player squad in the Women’s World Cup. Dragoni recently made her debut in a goalless home friendly against Morocco.
Milena Bertolini’s squad announcement did not bring many surprises, as she selected important players like Cristiana Girelli, Lisa Boattin, and Manuela Giugliano.
It was already expected that captain Sara Gama would not be included in the squad due to technical, tactical, and physical reasons. Bertolini did not reveal who would be the new captain.
Maria Luisa Filangeri and Beatrice Merlo, who are defenders, will be available and will practice with the team before the tournament. They are prepared to take the place of any player who becomes sick or injured.
The World Cup is being held in New Zealand and Australia, and Italy’s first match is against Argentina on July 24. After that, they will face Sweden and South Africa in Group G.
Italy 2023 Women’s World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante, Laura Giuliani
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli, Lisa Boattin, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Martina Lenzini, Elena Linari, Benedetta Orsi, Cecilia Salvai
Midfielders: Arianna Caruso, Valentina Cernoia, Giulia Dragoni, Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, Emma Severini
Forwards: Chiara Beccari, Barbara Bonansea, Sofia Cantore, Valentina Giacinti, Cristiana Girelli, Benedetta Glionna, Annamaria Serturini
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