The Drusus Stadium is the scene of a fateful match. © FC Südtirol

Italy’s women and the fateful game in the Drusus Stadium

Normally, the Drusus Stadium is the home ground of FC Südtirol. But now the football temple in the heart of Bolzano is rolling out the international carpet. On Tuesday, a women's international match is scheduled - and it is an immensely important one at that.

July 15, 2024

From: det

There's no question about it: the Drusus Stadium is a very special jewel box. The arena in Bolzano always cuts a fine figure at FC Südtirol's Serie B games and is therefore always happy to welcome international guests. In October last year, Italy's U21 team visited the Talfer city as part of the European Championship qualification, and now Italy's women's national team is docking in the pretty arena.

On Tuesday from 19 p.m., the Azzurre will be fighting for nothing less than qualification for the 2025 European Championship. Italy's women, whose squad includes two South Tyroleans in Katja Schroffenegger and Eva Schatzer, will face Finland in the last match of qualifying group A. The starting position is clear: if the Azzurre win their match at the Drusus Stadium, they will have their ticket to the European Championships in their pocket. Even a draw could be enough to qualify.

Eva Schatzer from Vahrn is hoping for her Italian debut. © A. Giacomelli

"We absolutely have to get three points," said Arianna Caruso of Juventus ahead of the match. "We are lucky because fate is in our hands."

Schatzer’s debut?

As already mentioned, two South Tyroleans will also be there. While 33-year-old Katja Schroffenegger from Karneid has already played for the Italian national team, 19-year-old Eva Schatzer from Vahrn is hoping to make her debut. There could hardly be a more suitable place for this than the Drusus Stadium.

European Championship qualification, last matchday

Tuesday, 19 p.m
Italy – Finland
Norway – Netherlands

Table

Note: The first two teams qualify for the European Championship, the other two have to go into the playoffs.