Belgium game 'not the most important' - Italy boss

 

Milena Bertolini, Head Coach of Italy speaks to the media during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 Italy Press Conference And Training Session at Manchester City Academy Stadium on July 13, 2022 in Manchester, England.

Italy's crucial European Championship clash against Belgium is "not the most important night of our career", says Azzurre coach Milena Bertolini.

Italy are bottom of Group D and must beat Belgium and hope Iceland fail to beat France to reach the last eight.

At the World Cup in 2019 they reached the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by the Netherlands.

"We had some big nights at the World Cup. But it's an important night, a decisive game," said Bertolini.

She added: "It's not the most important night of our careers. It's much harder to confirm oneself at a certain level.

"We did well at the World Cup in 2019, so now the expectations are much higher."

Belgium will advance to the knockout stages if they win and Iceland lose to France, but will miss out if they draw 0-0.

Belgium defender Laura de Neve said: "The will to win will make the difference tomorrow, not the tactical aspect or our physical ability.

"We are hungry for the win. It is a big game for Belgian women's football as well. We can make history if we qualify."