The Matildas will take on Austria at Stadion Villach Lind in Villach on Tuesday 7 April before heading to the Scottish town of Falkirk for a match against Scotland on Thursday 9 April, as preparations ramp up for June's Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The squad has been involved in an intensive training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport training centre in Italy after the recent Cyprus Cup.
The matches against Austria and Scotland will mean they have played six full internationals during their time away, providing ideal preparation for the World Cup.
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic believes the matches will offer more game time against quality opposition, as he aims to have his squad primed for its opening World Cup match against the United States on 8 June.
“We’re delighted to be able to arrange these two matches at the tail end of what has been an integral and really beneficial time away in Europe as we lead up to the World Cup,” Stajcic said.
“Every hit out we get is crucial as we continue to work on the way we want to play in Canada and there is also the element of giving players the opportunity to really stake their claim to be in the squad.”
Stajcic may use the hit outs to help the likes of Samantha Kerr, Tameka Butt and goalkeeper Lydia Williams - who are all coming back from injury and joined the squad in Italy - some much needed match fitness.
The Matildas are yet to meet Austria in an international, while they have faced Scotland three times previously for a win, a draw and a loss.
FFA has also officially announced the appointments of Socceroos and ex-Adelaide United midfielder Ross Aloisi and Vicki Linton as assistant coaches to Stajcic.
Aloisi also assumed the coaching role of Australia’s U-17 girls team. The former Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix captain started his coaching career with South Australian club West Adelaide before most recently fulfilling the Head of Women’s Football position at Football Federation South Australia and coach of Adelaide United’s Westfield W-League team.
“The appointment of Ross and Vicki as assistants to Alen is a great step going forward not only for the Matildas but our broader women’s football strategy,” FFA's head of performance Luke Casserly said.
“Ross had a long and distinguished playing career and has shown since he took on the head coaching role of Adelaide United’s Women’s team his ability, knowledge and skill in discovering, developing and improving the quality of talented young female footballers in this country.
“Vicki brings vast coaching experience having been around women’s football for a long time. She is ambitious and passionate about coaching and is also currently in the process of completing her Pro Licence.”
Both Aloisi and Linton are currently with the Matildas squad in Italy.
