Italy vs. Netherlands: Azzurre looking to make history
Italy will be hoping to make history as they take on the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Azzurri are in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1991 and could reach the final four for the first time in the nation’s history if they can beat the Oranje. With the men’s team failing to qualify for the World Cup last year, and both the under-20 and under-21 sides experiencing disappointment at the under-20 World Cup and the under-21 EURO championship, the onus will be on the women to make Italy proud this summer.
Italy comes into this game in excellent form. Milena Bertolini’s side has lost just one game so far in 2019 (excluding a narrow defeat to North Korea on spot-kicks). Other from that, their sole loss was a narrow defeat to Brazil on matchday three. Still, after coming from behind to be Australia 2-1 and crush Jamaica 5-0, it was enough to make sure Italy topped their group.
As a reward for their efforts, they were paired with China in the round of 16, and despite the Steel Roses’ good efforts, were able to overpower their opponents 2-0. The win did come at a high price, as key player Cristiana Girelli had to be subbed out in lieu of Aurora Galli, who ended up scoring Italy’s second goal.
However, Italy will face an even sterner test against the Netherlands. The Oranje are just a handful of sides to finish their group stage with a perfect record. Sarina Wiegman’s side have been in dominant form and come into this game on a seven-match winning streak. It’s an impressive turnaround from the start of 2019 when the Netherlands had won just one of their last four games in regulation time.
Italy have a frustrating record against the Netherlands. Although this is their first World Cup meeting, they have not been able to beat the Oranje in any of their prior encounters. Will they be able to end this hoodoo and make history as an entire nation rally behind them?
