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Women’s World Cup: 10 (non-USWNT) players to watch

By Clemente Lisi

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 02: Brazil forward Marta (10) passes between two Japan defenders during the SheBelieves Cup match between Brazil and Japan at Nissan Stadium on March 2nd, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 02: Brazil forward Marta (10) passes between two Japan defenders during the SheBelieves Cup match between Brazil and Japan at Nissan Stadium on March 2nd, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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FERRARA, ITALY – APRIL 10: Cristina Girelli of Italy celebrates his goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Paolo Mazza on April 10, 2018 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
FERRARA, ITALY – APRIL 10: Cristina Girelli of Italy celebrates his goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Paolo Mazza on April 10, 2018 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images) /

Cristina Girelli (Italy)

The 29-year-old Juventus striker is arguable the most talented player to come out of Italy since Carolina Morace. A member of the national team since 2013, Girelli will be making her World Cup debut in France.

Girelli scored five goals in three matches during World Cup qualifying and will need to do more of the same if Italy hope to get past the first round. A three-time Serie A champion with Brescia, she has 24 goals in 50 games for Italy at senior level for one of the best goal-per-game averages in the women’s game.