The tactical cards are now on the table. Ahead of their crucial clash in the Women`s European Championship, both the Italian and Portuguese national teams have revealed their official starting lineups, offering a clear look at the strategies their coaches intend to deploy on the pitch.
For Italy, Coach Soncin has opted for a structure featuring three defenders. A notable aspect of the Italian selection is the strong representation from Juventus Women. No fewer than four players from the Turin powerhouse are set to start, indicating a likely reliance on established club chemistry and familiarity. These key Juventus contributors are **Lenzini**, **Salvai**, **Boattin**, and **Girelli**. Their inclusion across different areas of the pitch suggests they will form a vital core for the Azzurre in this pivotal match.
Portugal, under the guidance of Coach Francisco Neto, also presents a formation mirroring Italy`s setup. Their selected eleven players are tasked with executing Portugal`s game plan to navigate the challenge posed by the Italian side.
Here are the official starting lineups as announced:
PORTUGAL (3-5-2)
Starting XI: Morais; Gomes, Costa, Pinto; Borges, Norton, Pinto, Nazareth, Marchao; Capeta, Silva.
Coach: Francisco Neto.
Substitutes: Pereira (P), Cota-Yarde (P), Amado, Alves, Seiça, Jacinto, J. Silva, D. Silva, Faria, Correia, Fonseca, Encarnação.
ITALY (3-5-2)
Starting XI: Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Linari; Di Guglielmo, Giugliano, Caruso, Severini, Boattin; Girelli, Cantore.
Coach: Soncin.
Substitutes: Baldi (P), Durante (P), Oliviero, Schatzer, Piemonte, Bonansea, Piga, Bergamaschi, Serturini, Goldoni, Greggi, Cambiaghi.
With both teams opting for a similar tactical shape, the individual duels and the effectiveness of each midfield and attack will be paramount. The significant Juventus contingent in the Italian side will undoubtedly be a focal point, bringing their experience and cohesion to the national stage. As kick-off approaches, fans await to see how these carefully selected elevens perform under the pressure of the European Championship.