Scotland will aim to bounce back from their opening Cyprus Cup defeat against Canada when they face Italy in Larnaca today (3.30pm kick-off).
The Italians present a familiar opponent for Anna Signeul’s side - the two sides have met four times in Cyprus and have met in 4 of the last 5 tournaments. Scotland won the last meeting 2-1 with Jane Ross and Rhonda Jones getting on the scoresheet in 2014.
Scotland midfielder Joanne Love said: “We've played Italy a number of times of last few years and it’s always a physical match.
"Over previous years Panico has been a pivotal player for them, but with her retiring other players are looking to make their mark. Players such as Gabbiadini and Gama will be key for them.
“We know they will be well organised and difficult to break-down but we will be looking to play more direct and we have the players to cause them problems at back.”
Italy - Team Profile
Cyprus Cup record – THIRD PLACE 2012
Italy have competed at every Cyprus Cup since 2010 with varying success. They finished an encouraging 6th at their first tournament before falling to 9th in 2011. Their best result came in 2012 when they beat England and Scotland on the way to finishing third. The last two years haven’t been as kind to Italy with 9th and 8th place finishes.
Coach – Antonio Cabrini
A familiar name in the men’s game, Cabrini won every UEFA club competition during a 13-year spell at Juventus during the 1980s and lifted the 1982 World Cup with Italy. Following retirement in 1991 the left-back went through numerous coaching roles – including managers positions at Pisa and Arezzo – before taking over the Italian Women’s team in 2012. He has since reached the Euro 2013 quarter-finals and led the country to number 14 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
Last 3 Cyprus Cup meetings
Scotland 2-I Italy – 11 March 2013
Scotland 1-2 Italy – 4 March 2012
Scotland 0-0 Italy - 7 March 2011
Keep an eye on @ScottishFA for score updates and match report from Cyprus from 3.30pm