Italy vs. Wales preview: Hayley Ladd to captain side as she wins her 100th cap
CHESTER, ENGLAND - 18 FEBRUARY 2025: Wales' Hayley Ladd during a Press conference at Doubletree By Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester in Chester on the 18th February 2025. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Ahead of Wales’ first Nations League fixture away against Italy, manager Rhian Wilkinson, as well as Ceri Holland and Carrie Jones, have been full of praise for Hayley Ladd.
The now Everton defender will win her 100th cap for Wales tomorrow night and will also captain the side on the request of Angharad James. Wilkinson hailed the impact she has had on the team.
“Hayley is dedicated to the badge. Our players always show up fully committed, fully prepared, we see them put big shifts in for their clubs, and it’s then about how quickly they can recover so they can give everything that they can for their country.
“Hayley has done that and will do it another hundred times. It’s a milestone that should be marked, it’s a momentous occasion, and Hayley has deserved every one of those caps.”
Holland is joint vice-captain alongside Ladd, and like Wilkinson, had nothing but praise for the soon-to-be centurion.
“Hayley is fantastic. You see it in every game that she plays. The amount of passion she has representing Wales is special, and it’s something as a teammate I’ve always looked up to.
“She is an incredible human being. She’s so kind and so caring and a really great teammate, who is such an important part of this group moving forward.”
Jones, meanwhile, was a youngster at Manchester United when she first met Ladd, and the starlet says her international teammate has made a big impact on her career.
“Hayley has had a huge impact on my career. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that my journey wouldn’t be the same without Hayley. She’s an incredible human being, an amazing footballer, and she’s so deserving of this huge achievement. We’re all really happy for her.”
Wales defender Hayley Ladd looks ahead to 100th cap
Fully Fit
The good news for Wales is there are no injury concerns heading into tomorrow’s match.
The only real question mark comes up front, and whether Elise Hughes is ready to play 90 minutes, but Wilkinson says it will take time for the Crystal Palace striker to get back up to speed.
“We wouldn’t have had Elise in camp if she wasn’t ready for the 90 minutes. However, she hasn’t had 90 minutes yet, so there’s that physical piece where returning to play is harder than regular training.
“She’s been put through her paces and done a great job at Crystal Palace, but realistically, I can say she won’t be getting 90 minutes with Wales.”
There are a few players who are out of season, including Jones, but she doesn’t believe that will be an issue.
“I’m feeling fully fit. I’ve been back in Sweden now since the start of the new year, and we’ve had plenty of games. Fitness won’t be an issue.”
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Italy Test
First up for Wales in their Nations League A campaign is a tricky test away against Italy.
The Italians come into this game as the top seed in the group, and Wilkinson was full of praise for how Italy have developed over recent years.
“When I played Italy, they were a team who always had mavericks; these special players who were incredible to play against.
“The development of Serie A and the level of play because of the league has gone through the roof. The team does still have those mavericks, but the way they play as a team is exciting.
“I hope the Italian public gets out to see them because this is a special generation for them, and I’m looking forward to seeing my team against them.”
Without a doubt the danger in the Italian XI will come in the midfield.
Former Juventus captain Ariana Caruso has just moved to German giants Bayern Munich, while Manuela Giugliano was nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year thanks to her form with Roma.
Holland could find herself in the midfield tomorrow night, and she is acutely aware of the quality not only those two bring, but the whole team.
“Italy have got world class players across the pitch. They’ve obviously got some special individuals, but we do too. As a team we’re really looking forward to the challenge. You have to be aware of those big players but we’re going to go out there as confident as we can.”
