Italy and the Netherlands will face off in the third all-European quarter-final at this year’s Women’s World Cup, with both sides looking to reach the semi-final stage for the first time.
The Italians, who eased past China 2-0 in the round of 16, last reached the quarter-finals at the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1991 when they lost to eventual runners-up, Norway. The Netherlands, in what is only their second ever World Cup appearance, have reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
Italy will be hoping that influential striker Cristiana Girelli will be available, after being substituted early on against China after suffering from a combination of injury and heat stroke. Italy, who are the lowest ranked side left in the competition, have failed to beat the Netherlands in any of the pair’s last five meetings.
The Netherlands, who can boast former world player of the year Lieke Martens in their ranks, are looking to conclude a two-year international cycle of success after winning the European Championship title in 2017. A VAR-awarded, last minute penalty converted by Martens secured a 2-1 victory over 2011 world champions Japan in the last round.
What time does it start?
Italy vs Netherlands kicks off at 2.00 pm BST on Saturday 29 June.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BBC Red Button from 2.00 pm. Highlights will be shown on the BBC website.
It’s a big game for…
Aurora Galli: Juventus midfielder Galli sealed Italy’s 2-0 victory over China with a fine strike from outside the area, marking her third goal of the tournament, all of which have come after starting as a substitute. If Galli is given the nod to replace top scorer Cristiana Girelli, dependent on fitness, as she did on Tuesday, it is the perfect opportunity for her to stake her claim for a permanent starting position.
Best stat…
This will be the first ever Women’s World Cup meeting between Italy and Netherlands, with a 2012 Cyprus Cup group stage game the last tournament meeting between the pair.
Player to watch…
Lieke Martens: The Dutch’s Barcelona forward scored both goals, including a last minute penalty, in the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Japan on Tuesday evening and will be looking to add to her tally against the Italians. Martens, winner of the 2017 Best FIFA Women’s Player award, scored against Italy in the group stages of the 2012 Cyprus Cup as part of a 2-1 win for the Dutch.
Past three meetings…
Italy 1 (Van der Gragt [OG]) Netherlands 2 (Miedema 2), World Cup Qualification play-off, November 2014
Netherlands 1 (Miedema) Italy 1 (Gabbiadini), World Cup Qualification play-off, November 2014
Netherlands 2 (Melis, Martens) Italy 1 (Panico), Cyprus Cup, February 2012
Form guide…
Italy: WWWWLW
Netherlands: WWWWWW
Odds…
Italy to win: 27/10
Netherlands to win: 21/20
Draw: 47/20
