Sermanni names strong squad for Italian series

Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni today announced a 21 player squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Italy in Australia.

FFA Release: Westfield Matildas coach Tom Sermanni today announced a 21 player squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Italy in Australia.

The Australian women will take on their Italian counterparts on Saturday 31 January in Parramatta and again on Saturday 7 February in Canberra.

“The squad has a good balance of experienced, established players together with bright, young talent,” said Sermanni.

“Several players have stepped up to the mark and displayed good form throughout the Westfield W-League season, earning them a well deserved spot in the national team. It is this form and confidence which will serve the team well heading into these matches,” he added.

Westfield W-League Player of the year, Lana Harch and Goalkeeper of the Year, Melissa Barbieri are amongst those selected, with Danielle Brogan, Ellie Brush and Emily van Egmond set to make their debut at senior international level.

The two matches have been arranged as part of Football Federation Australia's (FFA) cooperation agreement with the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC or Italian Football Federation).

The Italian women-s team is due to arrive in Australia on 26 January at 7.55pm AEDT. It will be their first visit to Australia in a decade.

Tickets for both matches are on sale now - head to www.ticketek.com.au for ticket details.

Matches will be broadcast on ABC Television at 4.00pm local time on 31 January and 7 February.

WESTFIELD MATILDAS SQUAD- Thursday 22 January

NameClubA-Internationals (goals)
Melissa BarbieriMelbourne Victory66 (0)
Danielle BroganSydney FC0
Ellie BrushCanberra United0
Tameka ButtQueensland Roar10 (1)
Lauren ColthorpeQueensland Roar35 (6)
Lisa de VannaPerth Glory57 (19)
Heather GarriockSydney FC111 (19)
Katie GillNewcastle Jets52 (26)
Lana HarchQueensland Roar22 (5)
Elise Kellond-KnightQueensland Roar5 (0)
Collette McCallumPerth Glory47 (6)
Kate McSheaQueensland Roar71 (2)
Caitlin MunozCanberra United50 (13)
Amber NeilsonNewcastle Jets12 (0)
Jo PetersNewcastle Jets109 (28)
Clare PolkinghorneQueensland Roar29 (2)
Karla ReuterQueensland Roar45 (0)
Cheryl SalisburyNewcastle Jets150 (37)
Emily van EgmondNewcastle Jets0
Sarah WalshSydney FC55 (26)
Lydia WilliamsCanberra United17 (0)

Australia v Italy match details

Saturday 31 January 2009 Kick off 4.00pm AEDT Gates Open 3.00pm Parramatta Stadium, Sydney

Saturday 7 February 2009 Kick off 4.00pm AEDT Gates Open 3.00pm Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Ticket Prices (per match):

$10 Adults $ 5 Child/Concession $20 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)

For tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au, phone 132 849 or any Ticketek outlet.