How Italy’s Euro 2020 success inspired Cristiana Girelli and the women’s team | OneFootball

In just six weeks, 22 players will walk out on the hallowed turf at Wembley to contest the final of Euro 2022.

There will be 20 days’ worth of football played before this, with the best 16 teams in Europe battling it out to book their place at Wembley.

The same happened last summer, but in men’s football. It was England and Italy who emerged as the two teams worthy enough to contest the Euro 2020 final, and despite playing in front of a largely hostile crowd, it was the latter who triumphed.

Looking to follow in their footsteps is Italy’s women’s team. The side are playing in their 11th European Championship – after a period of time between 1984 and 1997 where they always reached at least the semi-finals, they have since struggled to progress from the group stage.

But Cristiana Girelli is hoping that will all change this summer. The Juventus striker told GiveMeSport Women how Italian success at Euro 2020 left the women’s team feeling inspired.

“There’s no pressure, I think we just have the example of the men,” she said. “They gave us the example that even if you are maybe not favourite, you can win the Euros. We celebrated a lot last year for them.”

The 32-year-old Girelli made her senior debut for Italy in 2013, and was selected to play in the Euros that summer. Her side reached the quarter-finals, but reverted back to crashing out in the group stage at Euro 2017.

“Of course, we want to do better than last time in the Netherlands,” Girelli explained. “I remember we lost the first game [against Russia], so we were out. But then after, against Germany and Sweden, we played really well.”

“So, I think we have the experience to know the first game will be important, and every match will be important. We can’t take it for granted, we are there to play the best we can.”

Italy enjoyed a much better showing at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. A dramatic 2-1 victory over Australia was followed by a 5-0 rout of Jamaica, in which Girelli scored a hat-trick.

Le Azzurre subsequently topped their group, setting up a round of 16 clash against China which they won comprehensively. They then came up against eventual finalists the Netherlands, conceding two goals in the last 20 minutes of the match in a gutsy defeat.

“The World Cup in France gave us a lot of confidence, and knowledge about our strengths,” Girelli recalled.

“Yes, the Euros is different to the World Cup – I think it’s harder – but at the same time, there’s also a lot of emotion because you play amazing teams. We are ready, and we have the ability to play match after match.”

Italy will meet France, Iceland and Belgium in the group stage of Euro 2022, with Girelli expecting a different challenge from each.

“France, they are a big team, maybe one of the favourites. Iceland have a big following and have already sold out their matches. We know the Belgium team, and how good they are.

“I think all three games will be really exciting and significant for different reasons.”

The Italians are renowned for their style, and it will be no different for the female players at Euro 2022. They will be decked out in a bespoke kit designed by Puma, complete with a unique floral print inspired by London department store Liberty.

“It’s a beautiful thing from Puma,” Girelli enthused. “They send a big signal about women’s football with this. It also makes you feel important when a brand like Puma makes a design just for women’s football.”

Italy will certainly look the part when it comes to this summer’s tournament, and they will be hoping to display the same swagger on the pitch. Girelli is certainly confident that will be the case.

Find out everything you need to know about Euro 2022 here.

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