As the Women`s European Championship intensifies, the narrative often shifts from individual brilliance to collective resolve. For Italy, a nation where football is more than just a game, this sentiment rings particularly true. Midfielder Annamaria Serturini, a pivotal figure in the Azzurre`s campaign, recently offered a compelling insight into her team`s mindset ahead of a daunting semi-final clash. Her words paint a vivid picture of a squad not merely participating, but truly believing in their journey.
Facing the Reigning Champions: A Smile and a Strategy
Italy finds itself among the elite final four, a position Serturini confidently asserts is no mere accident. Their impending encounter with England, the defending champions, presents a formidable challenge. While England may possess a more extensive history in high-stakes knockout encounters, Italy approaches the fixture with a discernible blend of optimism and tenacity. “The beauty is coming now,” Serturini declares, a statement imbued with both excitement and an understated warning. The team`s hallmark, she emphasizes, is their collective strength—a cohesive unit built on determination and unity. Coach Soncin`s influence is evident, having instilled a newfound sense of security and enthusiasm that has visibly transformed the squad.
“To be among the top four in Europe is not a coincidence… if we are here, we deserve it, not only for our technical or tactical skills, but for the incredible group that has been created. And it`s a good thing that others are starting to fear us.”
This evolving perception, where opponents begin to acknowledge Italy`s prowess, is precisely what the Azzurre welcome. It is a testament to their sustained effort and surprising ascent in a tournament often dominated by established powerhouses.
The Personal Equation: Adaptability and Undying Support
For Serturini, individual playing time takes a back seat to the overarching goal of team victory. Despite not always featuring in the starting eleven, her commitment to the collective is unwavering. She embraces the role of a motivator from the sidelines, acknowledging that the spirit of the entire 23-player squad, combined with the staff and fervent supporters, is essential for success. Her tactical adaptability, having transitioned between a fifth midfielder role and an attacking trident, underscores her versatility. Ultimately, her focus remains on contributing her unique characteristics in whatever capacity the coach deems most beneficial.
The memory of a previous 5-1 friendly defeat against England still lingers, yet Serturini views it not as a scar, but as a lesson. The opportunity for redemption is clear, and the team`s growth since that encounter provides a foundation for optimism. “We are fortunate to always have another chance,” she notes, highlighting the resilience ingrained within the squad. While acknowledging England`s undeniable quality, she maintains a pragmatic perspective: on the field, it remains 11 against 11. The outcome of that previous match, while difficult to overturn, is certainly “not impossible.”
Strategic Focus: Unpicking England`s Defense
When pressed on England`s potential vulnerabilities, Serturini candidly points towards their defensive line. While quick to praise the individual brilliance within England`s midfield and attack, which often dictates game outcomes, she identifies their defense as “a bit more shaky.” This astute observation suggests a clear strategic focus for the Italian side: minimize errors and maximize opportunities, particularly through long-range shots and intricate attacking combinations. It`s a technical appraisal delivered with the confidence of someone who has studied her opponent thoroughly.
Intriguingly, when asked about the team that has impressed her most, Serturini unhesitatingly names Spain. She describes their game as one of incredible confidence, mobility, and versatility, coupled with undisputed technical and physical attributes. Many Spanish players hail from Barcelona, a club whose distinctive playing philosophy Serturini, having faced them previously, deeply respects. “It`s hard to keep up with their plays,” she admits, definitively labeling Spain as her consistent favorites.
Beyond the Pitch: Family, Pride, and a Lasting Legacy
The journey of a professional athlete often finds its roots in personal support systems. For Serturini, her parents, particularly her mother, have been foundational. The emotional connection she shares with her mother, a reflection of their shared strong yet timid character, enabled her to pursue this dream. Her family, including her wife, serves as an unwavering refuge during challenging times—a deeply personal anchor in a demanding career. Representing Italy, she explains, is not merely a professional obligation but a profound source of pride, encompassing the entirety of her life`s journey, from her earliest kicks to donning the national jersey.
Serturini is also a fervent advocate for the broader growth of women`s football. The increasing public attendance at matches and training sessions has been a source of immense joy and inspiration. She hopes this surge in support is not a fleeting phenomenon but a lasting commitment. Acknowledging the arduous struggles and remarkable achievements of the female footballers who paved the way before her, Serturini emphasizes the current generation`s responsibility to carry that torch forward—not just through results, but by setting an example. The sight of full stadiums, a rare occurrence for many domestic matches in Italy, is a powerful reminder of the movement`s potential. Sustained attention and attendance post-Euros are crucial, she argues, for the continued development of both the players and the sport as a whole.
The Ascent Continues: “The Best is Yet to Come”
Reflecting on the past two years, Serturini unequivocally points to “work and unity” as the guiding principles behind Italy`s significant improvement. Following a period of setbacks, the team`s ability to coalesce, to function as a true family unit alongside the staff, has been paramount. Every meticulously constructed piece of their current success stems from an environment where players are supported to perform at their best. While the balance sheet is decidedly positive, the team harbours no illusions of stopping here.
For Serturini, every victory, every trophy, every objective is a unique and novel experience, never diminished by past achievements. It`s a professional perspective that speaks volumes about her dedication. “It`s a different journey made of a lot of work, and it`s not so obvious to win or to be there,” she concludes. Each success holds a distinct flavor, and the immediate goal is to achieve the best possible result, adding another cherished memory to an already distinguished career. For the Azzurre, it seems, the most compelling chapters are yet to be written.
