Ladies have bragging rights when men's teams flounder

ROME - They missed out on the men's World Cup in Russia last year, but the good news for fans in Italy, China and Scotland is that their teams will be present at the women's tournament in France this summer.

In soccer-mad Italy, which hadn't missed the men's tournament since 1958, the presence of the "Azzurre" should be great news. For the women, it is a first World Cup appearance since 1999 - but not everyone seems so impressed.

"Ah girls, go and play at the World Cup, but do not talk tactics," wrote Inter Milan captain Regina Baresidaughter and niece of two great Italian players, Giuseppe and Franco -in a recent tweet.