The Italy women's national team arrived in Japan in the morning of 25 May for the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015, which will be held at the Minami-Nagano Sports Park stadium in Nagano on Thursday 28 May. Although the players seemed to be a little tired due to the long flight, they showed some smiles after arriving in Nagano and said that they wanted to take a stroll into town soon.

Head Coach and Players’ Comments

Antonio Cabrini, Head Coach
Japan is a very advanced and important country, still supporting the world’s economic growth. I still have the same impression of this country as I had when I came here 30 years ago - every part of the town is so clean and organised. Japan are the world champions and definitely one of the favourites for the World Cup next month. Although the coming match is only a friendly, we’d like to play as competitively as possible. As we’ll start the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Euro, we’d also like to get ourselves ready for that.

FW #8   Melania Gabbiadini
In Japan the towns are so beautiful and I am always taken aback by the kindness of the people. The Japan national team are the World Cup’s champions and they always play with all their strength. Recently the women’s football has become more recognised in the world. I believe Japan has contributed to this quite a lot. We’d like to play as hard as possible in the match.

DF #5   Sara Gama
My impression of Japan is that people are quiet and kind. I’d like to take a walk in the towns of Nagano very soon. As the coming friendly is a preparation match for Japan before the World Cup, I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of game it will be.

MF #10   Martina Rosucci
Japan is beautiful and quiet. I’d like to take a stroll in the town soon. Japan are the previous World Cup’s champions and I think they are still the strongest in the world. So I’d like to play the match at full power.

Schedule

Note: The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, etc.

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. Italy Women’s National Football Team
Thu. 28 May 19:20 Kick Off (Estimated Time)
Nagano / MINAMI NAGANO SPORTSPARK
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

Shuttle bus information
Access information (Japanese version only)

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

Information