Italy’s Women’s National Team Shows Promise in 2026 Friendlies

As the road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins to take shape, Italy’s national team, known as the Azzurre, has been making steady progress in their 2026 preparations. Under the guidance of coach Andrea Soncin, Italy concluded a series of April friendlies with encouraging results, including a notable 2-1 victory over Switzerland on April 29, 2026. These performances highlight a team building depth and tactical cohesion ahead of the qualification campaign, positioning Italy as a potential dark horse for the global tournament.

April Friendlies: Results and Key Moments

Italy’s April slate included matches against Switzerland and Finland, both of which provided valuable tests against European opposition. The standout result came in the 2-1 win over Switzerland, where Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli scored the opener in the 34th minute with a clinical header from a corner. The Azzurre doubled their lead early in the second half through a long-range strike by midfielder Manuela Giugliano, before Switzerland pulled one back late via a penalty.

Against Finland, Italy secured a 1-1 draw, with young striker Chiara Beccari netting a late equalizer to salvage a point. While not a dominant performance, the match showcased Italy’s resilience and the emergence of younger talents who could play pivotal roles in the coming years.

Tactical Evolution Under Soncin

Since taking over in 2022, Andrea Soncin has focused on transitioning Italy from a traditionally defensive-minded team to one capable of controlling possession and pressing high. The April friendlies demonstrated this shift, with Italy averaging over 55% possession across both games—a marked improvement from previous years. Giugliano’s role as a deep-lying playmaker has been central to this approach, allowing the team to build from the back while maintaining attacking intent.

Defensively, veterans like Sara Gama continue to provide stability, but Soncin’s integration of younger defenders such as Elena Linari signals a long-term vision. The balance between experience and youth will be crucial as Italy navigates the competitive landscape of UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Standout Players and Emerging Stars

Cristiana Girelli remains Italy’s talisman, with her goal-scoring prowess and leadership on full display against Switzerland. At 36, she continues to defy age, serving as both a mentor to younger players and a reliable outlet in attack. Meanwhile, Chiara Beccari, the 21-year-old Inter Milan forward, is quickly becoming a name to watch. Her composure in front of goal and ability to exploit spaces suggest she could be Italy’s next big star by the time 2027 rolls around.

In midfield, Manuela Giugliano’s vision and passing range have elevated Italy’s play, earning her comparisons to some of Europe’s top playmakers. Her ability to dictate tempo will be vital against stronger opponents in future competitions.

Why This Matters for Italy and UEFA

Italy’s recent history in international women’s soccer has been one of steady improvement but inconsistent results at major tournaments. After reaching the quarterfinals of the 2019 World Cup, expectations have grown, yet the Azzurre have struggled to break into the elite tier of European teams like Spain, England, and France. The 2026 friendlies indicate that Italy is narrowing that gap, with a focus on tactical adaptability and squad depth.

Within the UEFA context, these performances are a warning shot to mid-tier nations vying for World Cup qualification spots. Italy’s blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents could make them a formidable force in the qualifiers, especially if they continue to refine their attacking output.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positives, Italy faces hurdles. Their inability to close out games comfortably, as seen in the Finland draw, points to a need for greater ruthlessness in front of goal. Additionally, facing top-tier teams will test whether Soncin’s possession-based system can hold up under intense pressure. Upcoming friendlies later in 2026 against higher-ranked sides will provide a clearer picture of where Italy stands.

Looking Toward 2027

With the 2027 World Cup still over a year away, Italy has time to fine-tune their approach. The focus for Soncin will be on integrating more young players into the squad while maintaining the core that has driven recent successes. If the Azzurre can sustain this momentum through the qualification phase, they could enter the tournament as a team capable of upsetting the established order.

Italy’s journey in 2026 is a reminder of the growing competitiveness in women’s international soccer. As more nations invest in their programs, teams like the Azzurre are seizing the opportunity to make their mark. For now, their April friendlies offer hope that Italy could be a surprise package when the World Cup arrives.