The matches have been arranged as part of Football Federation Australia's (FFA) cooperation agreement with the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC or Italian Football Federation) signed in May 2008.

The Westfield Matildas, who are currently ranked 14th in the world, defeated 12th ranked Italy 3-0 in their most recent meeting in June last year as part of the Peace Queen Cup in Korea.

In 2008, the Matildas were Australia's busiest football team having played 22 international matches.

The matches will take place following the inaugural season of the W-League which has seen Australia's top women players participate in a national league of their own over the past three months. The W-League culminates in the 2009 Grand Final to be held on 17 January, with the two semi-finals being held this weekend.

"These early games so soon after the Westfield W-League season gives the girls a chance to play high level opposition when their well and truly match ready," said Westfield Matildas coach, Tom Sermanni.

"It's also a good benchmark for the quality of the Westfield W-League."

The first match will take place on Saturday 31 January at Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, and the second match on Saturday 7 February at Canberra Stadium. Both games will be broadcast live and exclusive on ABC Television at 4.00pm AEDT. Ticketing arrangements will be advised at a later date.

This is the first visit of the Italian women's team since 1999. The squad is due to arrive in Australia on 25 January.