The Women's World Cup starting Thursday in Australia and New Zealand will be the fourth in the history of the Italian national team. In the last edition played in France in 2019, Italy made its debut with a victory against Australia; it passed the rounds, eliminated China in the round of 16 and was eliminated in the quarters by the Netherlands, which then reached the final. In short, Italy made a good impression, and matches were broadcast live for the first time on the main RAI channels, reaching peaks of more than 5 million viewers. Since then, women's soccer in Italy has become popular. Compared to 2019, 13 out of 23 players have changed. Among those sacrificed by coach Milena Bertolini is Sara Gama, longtime captain and central defensive player, who had been on the national team's roster since 2006. Among the younger call-ups, Annamaria Serturini and Giada Greggi, attacking outfielders for Italian champions Roma, and Arianna Caruso, a midfielder for Juventus, are likely to play a central role at this World Cup. Italy will make its debut Monday morning against Argentina, then play July 29 against Sweden and August 2 against South Africa, also in New Zealand. Should they qualify for the next round as runners-up, in the round of 16 Italy could meet the defending champions United States, first in the world rankings and among the favorites for victory.
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