Washington Spirit forward Sofia Cantore and defender Lucia Di Guglielmo were called up to the Italy Women’s National Team for qualifier play-off matches against Belarus for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Italian Football Federation announced the selections Sept. 29, 2026.
Italy will face Belarus on Friday, Oct. 9, at 12:15 p.m. EDT at David Petriashvili Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia. The teams will meet again Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 12:15 p.m. EDT at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Firenze, Italy.
Sofia Cantore’s International Experience
Sofia Cantore, a Washington Spirit forward from Lecco, Lombardy, Italy, has appeared in more than 45 international matches and scored six goals for Italy’s senior team. She made her senior international debut in December 2020.
Since joining the Washington Spirit in August 2025, Cantore has appeared in 46 matches for the club. She has scored 11 goals and recorded two assists during that span.
Lucia Di Guglielmo’s Italy History
Lucia Di Guglielmo, a Washington Spirit defender from Pisa, Italy, made her Italy senior-team debut in 2021 at age 23. She has represented Italy at the 2022 and 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Di Guglielmo joined the Washington Spirit during the offseason before the announcement and has appeared in 17 matches for the club. Her call-up gives Washington two players selected for Italy’s qualifier play-off matches against Belarus.
Washington Spirit’s Next Home Match
The Washington Spirit is scheduled to host Gotham FC on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The National Women’s Soccer League match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. EDT.
The Washington Spirit plays its home matches at Audi Field and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Washington Spirit’s Sofia Cantore and Lucia Di Guglielmo Earn Italy Call-Ups for 2027 World Cup Play-Off adds two players from the club to Italy’s roster for the Belarus series. Cantore brings more than 45 senior international appearances, while Di Guglielmo has represented Italy at three major tournaments.
Source: Original report
