It's a big day for Chinese women's football as China will take on Italy later on Tuesday in Montpellier, southern France in the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The momentum may be with the Azzurre after a strong performance in the group stage, but China could still pull off an upset.

The Italian team come from an impressive performance in the group stage, including a 5-0 victory over Jamaica, and could go far in their women's team's first World Cup in 20 years. 

But the Chinese team are under minimal pressure and held their last training session in a relax mood on Monday.

"There is no need for us to be so stressed, after all we have qualified for the knockout stage," said Chinese midfielder Lou Jiahui.

China were once pioneers of women's football, but as the game has professionalized the team has not always impressed. So far in the tournament they’ve played a defensive game, scoring just once in the group stage. 

Head Coach Jia Xiuquan admits it will not be an easy game to face Italy while he believes the team's superstar Wang Shuang can lead the team well.

"I believe in her," said Coach Jia.

Italy coach Milena Bertolini gave a high praise to China's defense but also stated her confidence in her own squad.

"China are a well-organized team. They are strong, both physically and mentally," said Milena Bertolini.

"We need to be more precise, more attentive and focused." 

Jia Xiuquan's secret weapon is goalkeeper Peng Shimeng, known among fans as "Great Wall of China". She kept a record number of clean sheets in the domestic league last season and supporters will be hoping she can reproduce that in Montpellier.

(With input from Xinhua)