Bartoli: Women's football on the rise

Bartoli, one of three Giallorosse members of Italy’s squad for the tournament in France, could make her bow on the biggest stage when the Azzurre open their tournament against Australia on Sunday afternoon.

“Over the last three years women’s football has grown so much,” Bartoli said.

“But personally it is strange to consider myself a professional – I still feel like that little girl that loved to play the game of football out in her grandmother’s yard. When I started I never thought I would be able to do it as a job, and certainly not have the success I’ve had.”

She added: “The sacrifices and the successes have all helped me to grow, because wins and defeats both teach you something. It is a shame that at times, and in some places, there remains this small-minded attitude to things – but I don’t worry about that. I always look forward and focus on doing what I love.”

Goalkeeper Rosalia Pipitone and forward Annamaria Serturini are the other Roma members of the Italy squad.

The World Cup in France gets underway on Friday.