Dragoni is the face of new Italy | The Express Tribune
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MILAN: Next week's World Cup marks the dawn of a new era for Italy's women with teenage Barcelona midfielder Giulia Dragoni the exciting face of a fresh chapter. Long-time captain Sara Gama, 34, was left out of Milena Bertolini's squad as the Italy coach made space for emerging talent. Dragoni booked her spot on the plane to Australia and New Zealand after impressing on her debut aged 16 as a substitute in a recent goalless draw with Morocco. The youngster is unlikely to start given the stiff competition in a midfield led by Manuela Giugliano, but she could well play a part as Italy try to show that they are better than their dismal display at Euro 2022. Italy surprised by reaching the quarter-finals of the last World Cup – their first for two decades – but finished bottom of their group with one point at the Euro in England. Dragoni was picked alongside another young gun in Fiorentina's 19-year-old Emma Severini, in a squad which features 15 player