Italy Women's Team profile: key players, full squad list, coach for 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup

Topics: TV Schedules, Italy, Milena Bertolini, Barbara Bonasera, FIFA Women's World Cup

The men's side missed out on the World Cup last year, but the ladies' team are back in it after a 20 year absence. How far can the Azzurre go?

What is Italy's history in the FIFA Women's World Cup?

After a 20-year absence, Italy are finally back in the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Azzurre last featured in the competition in 1999, where they failed to get out of the group stage. In fact, Italy's women's team have yet to really match the success of their male counterparts, as they have only participated in two tournaments prior to the upcoming one in France. Their first show was at the first-ever competition in 1991, where they made it to the quarter-finals, and the second was at the 1999 one in the United States.

Qualifying for this tournament was pretty smooth for Italy. The Azzurre picked up seven wins from their remaining seven games to earn their ticket to France, making a final day loss to Belgium a moot point.

What is Italy's group at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

The Italians are in Group C. For more information and analysis on the Azzurre's Last 16 qualification chances, check out Group C: Australia, Brazil, Italy, Jamaica - 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup teams.

What is Italy's full squad list for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Goalkeepers: Laura Giuliani, Chiara Marchitelli, Rosalia Pipitone

Defenders: Sara Gama, Elena Linari, Alia Guagni, Elisa Bartoli, Laura Fusetti, Lisa Boattin, Linda Tucceri

Midfielders: Valentina Bergamaschi, Aurora Galli, Martina Rosucci, Alice Parisi, Barbara Bonansea, Annamaria Serturini, Valentina Cernoia, Manuela Giugliano

Forwards: Daniela Sabatino, Cristiana Girelli, Stefania Tarenzi, Ilaria Mauro, Valentina Giacinti

Italy Women's unbeaten in 2019 as of May 7, 2019

Who are the key players to watch for Italy at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Barbara Bonasera, who plays her club football for Italian champions Juventus, will be one of the key players for the Azzurre this summer in France. The 27-year-old is quite versatile, playing as both a forward and a midfielder. Her pace and touches on the ball will be huge assets for Italy as they aim to try to get out of a tricky quartet that also includes Brazil and Australia.

Who is Italy's coach?

Milena Bertolini has been in charge of the Azzurre for nearly two years and has overseen a highly successful period for the side since taking over. A former defender, she has been on the tactician's bench since August 2017. Under her tenure, Italy continue to go from strength to strength. Not only did they enjoy a highly successful qualifying campaign (with just that one defeat to Belgium), but also La Squadra Azzurra have not lost a single game so far in 2019 as of May 7.