Australia will need to show plenty of Spirit as they tackle an Italian team playing full of emotion on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics in Fukushima today.

The Italians were rocked by the passing of Head Coach, Enrico Obletter earlier this year and have since dedicated their Tokyo 2020 campaign to his memory, ensuring a spirited encounter against the Australians today.

The Italian team is no stranger to the Australian style of play with four Aussie Spirit players, including Clare Warwick and Jade Wall with experience in the Italian Softball League.

Three Italian players, Greta Cecchetti, Ilaria Cacciamani and Marta Gasparotto played in the Australian Women’s National Championship, the Gilley’s Shield in recent years.

The Aussie Spirit has previously played Italy twice in Olympic competition in 2000 and 2004, defeating them in both games, the Aussie's holding them scoreless on both occasions

Overall, in international competition, Australia has played Italy 24 times, defeating the Azzurre on 22 occasions only losing twice since 2004.

Last time the two teams faced each other was the 2020 Australia Pacific Cup where the Spirit took the win 7-4.

For Italy, Erika Piancastelli and pitcher Greta Cecchetti will be critical for their team’s success against the Spirit. Cecchetti comes off the back of a solid performance against the world champions, USA holding them to two runs, but ultimately going down 2-0.

For Australia, the bats need to start firing as they look to regroup after the opening round loss to Japan.

The games will be streamed live through 7plus and on 7mate

Download the 7Plus app here

Game times:

• 4pm (AEST)
• 3:30pm (ACST)
• 2pm (AWST)

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