Cabrini finalises Italy's Women's EURO squad

Italy coach Antonio Cabrini admitted he had a few hard decisions after naming his final squad of 23 that will travel to UEFA Women's EURO 2013.

A group of 28 have been training at Coverciano over the past fortnight and Cabrini today which players made the cut and which five did not. Goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, defenders Michela Rodella and Federica Di Criscio, and midfielders Marta Carissimi and Pamela Conti have all dropped out.

"It's difficult to make choices when you have a group that is more or less on the same level," Cabrini conceded. "It's always hard to leave the girls at home. I made an overall assessment, taking account tactics and medical assessments. We haven't had any problems [in our preparations] so far and my players have responded as I thought they might."

Italy, UEFA European Women's Championship runners-up in 1993 and 1997, will continue preparations at Coverciano, Florence until 8 July, when they fly to Sweden. The Azzurre kick off their campaign two days later against Finland and also face Denmark and the hosts in Group A.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Chiara Marchitelli (UPC Tavagnacco), Sara Penzo (ACF Brescia), Katia Schroffenegger (SV Jena).

Defenders: Sara Gama (ACF Brescia), Raffaella Manieri (ASD Torres Calcio), Giorgia Motta (ASD Torres Calcio), Cecilia Salvai (FC Rapid Lugano), Elisabetta Tona (ASD Torres Calcio), Elisa Bartoli (ASD Torres Calcio), Roberta D'Adda (ACF Brescia), Laura Neboli (FCR Duisburg).

Midfielders: Giulia Domenichetti (ASD Torres Calcio), Alice Parisi (UPC Tavagnacco), Daniela Stracchi (ASD Torres Calcio), Martina Rosucci (ACF Brescia), Alessia Tuttino (UPC Tavagnacco), Elisa Camporese (UPC Tavagnacco).

Forwards: Patrizia Panico (ASD Torres Calcio), Cristiana Girelli (ASD CF Bardolino Verona), Sandy Iannella (ASD Torres Calcio), Melania Gabbiadini (ASD CF Bardolino Verona), Paola Brumana (UPC Tavagnacco), Ilaria Mauro (UPC Tavagnacco).