Time for others to fear Italy, says Serturini

New Straits Times

a day ago

OBERENTFELDEN, Switzerland: Italy might be heading into their Women's Euro semi-final against reigning champions England as underdogs on Tuesday, but the squad believe that they have earned the right to be feared by the other teams remaining in the competition.
The Italians scored a late winner to beat Norway 2-1 in their quarter-final to make it into the last four of the tournament for the first time since 1997, setting up the meeting with England in Geneva on Tuesday. Germany and Spain face off in Zurich a day later.
"It's not a coincidence to be among the top four in Europe. The path we took with (coach) Mr. (Andrea) Soncin is very important. He brought us so much tranquility, enthusiasm and security," midfielder Annamaria Serturini told reporters on Sunday.
"I think we can see how much the group can make a difference, and today I tell you that if we are there, it is because we deserve it ... it is not a coincidence if we are there, so I welcome that the other teams start to fear us."
The 27-year-old said that the sense of unity in the squad had filled them with confidence as they prepare to take on an England side that squeezed past Sweden and into the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout.
"We have the possibility to make everyone believe in us," Serturini said. "We have a great goal that we are all aware of, so we don't have a lot of pressure, because it's right to live, to enjoy every moment and every training, because it's really something magnificent to go through every day with all the people who are here."
To succeed against England, Serturini said that Italy will have to make the most of their chances.
"When we approach a semi-final or a final, it is difficult to get many opportunities, but those few that you have, you have to be able to convert them, because we know their value," she explained. — REUTERS