Bonfantini shocked to receive first Italy call-up

The 19-year-old, who recently scored twice against Sassuolo to complete a memorable Giallorosse comeback, was named in the Azzurre squad for the first time earlier this month - and could even make her debut against Chile on Friday or Wales on Tuesday.

And she spoke to Il Romanista about her international inspirations, along with the season so far for coach Betty Bavagnoli's squad...

Did you expect your call-up to the national team?

“It was a complete surprise. I was going to training and they told me that they had called up four [Roma] players rather than three. I could not believe it. I think being called up for the national team is everyone’s dream. I’m really enjoying it.”

How are you finding it within the Roma squad?

“There’s a great feeling between everyone in the squad. We are very united. At the start it was a bit tough, because none of us really knew each other. But now we are improving and growing game-by-game; both as a squad and as individual players. Coach Bavagnoli has been crucial in that regard, it’s thanks to her that we’ve started to see the results.”

Your brace in the comeback against Sassuolo had Tre Fontane on its feet…

“That’s the day that I think we all felt the fans were most behind us. We went behind in the match, but then with Heden Corrado’s red card we seemed to wake up. After we got back on level terms every tackle we won there was a roar – it really inspired us and we were able to come back and win.”

And then when you scored the winner, you ran and hugged everyone on the bench...

“It’s something that means a lot to us. Even our teammates who are not on the pitch are a key part of the group – and I think it’s good we make that clear whenever we all celebrate.”

Right now you are fourth in the table – what are you aims?

“Serie A is very even. We will try to win every game we have – even if we know it is not quite that simple. This season though, we all would love to win the Coppa Italia.”

With the new Serie A structure and the Women’s World Cup, this year could be a step forward for you…

“I’m just working on things step-by-step. It would really be great to bring a trophy home with Roma. I chose to come to the Giallorossi from Milan and now I feel good, I’m improving a lot. I dream of going with Italy to the World Cup in France, but I’m still a long way off achieving that.”

How is it in Rome – do you feel close to the men’s squad?

“We are all part of the same Roma. If there’s the slightest problem we go to Trigoria or Villa Stuart – like the men would. We all feel an integral part of the club.”

And finally: who are your idols?

“My idol is the American forward, Alex Morgan. In men’s football I really like Mbappe, while my favourite at Roma is Cengiz Under – he’s quick, he plays the same role as me.”