Italy, who have not beaten England since 2012, appointed Soncin in September 2023 despite having only ever worked in men’s football, yet he has gradually won over his critics.
“There was a fair bit of scepticism about Soncin because he came in as someone who only had experience in the men’s game and who mostly coached at youth level,” Bandini says.
“But he has really brought something positive over the last couple of years and you can see that here.
“I felt like coming into this tournament, the energy around the group was much, much better than it had been at past tournaments.”
And on the pitch in Switzerland the team have delivered, finishing second in their group behind tournament favourites Spain with performances which have shown tactical flexibility and an ability to capitalise on opponents’ weaknesses.
“[Against England] it is going to be a technically fascinating game,” says Bandini. “I’m really curious to see how Italy approach it, because one of the strengths of Italy, one of the strengths of the coach at this tournament, is that he’s shown he can change things up.”
Italy have switched formations depending on the opposition, playing with a back five against the formidable Spain and a back four against Norway.
Against the Norwegians, it was a move to target their weakness at full-back – a strategy that worked to perfection and could be tested against the Lionesses too.
“When we talk about England, we talk all the time about the left-back position being one major headache that’s consistently come up for Sarina Wiegman,” Bandini says.
“Even when you look at the opposite side, Lucy Bronze likes to go forward. That’s part of her game.
“So I can very much see the wide areas being a focus in this game. They really are the strength of this Italy team – the options they have there are really strong.”
If Italy go to a back three, Bandini expects the wing-backs – Lisa Boattin and Lucia di Guglielmo – to threaten England with their dribbling skills.
“Italy have so many players who are confident running with the ball,” she adds.
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