Italy 1-0 Argentina: Super-sub Cristiana Girelli nets late winner as youthful Azzurre begin Women's World Cup with win
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Updated 24/07/2023 at 12:36 GMT
Italy left it late to seal an opening Group G victory over Argentina, whose wait for a first-ever Women's World Cup victory goes on. Juventus striker Cristiana Girelli came off the bench to head home the winner in the 87th minute and send the Azzurre joint-top alongside Sweden, sparking euphoric celebrations. History was made as Giulia Dragoni became Italy's youngest World Cup player aged 16.
'I just did my duty' - Italy's Girelli nets late winner against Argentina
Cristiana Girelli came off the bench to score a late winner for Italy against Argentina as the Azzurre opened their Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
The Group G clash in Auckland looked set to come to a frustrating conclusion for Milena Bertolini’s side, who had two first-half strikes disallowed for offside and struggled to break down the resilient Argentinians.
But Girelli, who came on inside the final 10 minutes for 16-year-old midfielder Giulia Dragoni – the youngest player ever to feature for Italy at a Women’s World Cup – headed home with three minutes remaining to seal victory.
The goal sent Italy joint-top of the group with Sweden, who they face next in Wellington, while Argentina’s search for a first-ever World Cup win will continue against South Africa next in Dunedin.
Argentina almost got off to a spectacular start when Mariana Larroquette went for goal with a bicycle kick inside the opening two minutes and saw her effort whistle wide.
But the Azzurre soon settled and began to orchestrate proceedings as they looked to find a way to puncture their opponents’ backline.
Arianna Caruso had the ball in the net after 16 minutes with a deflected strike, but it was ruled out for offside.
The assistant’s flag then denied Italy for a second time shortly before the interval when Valentina Giacinti’s goal was disallowed, as the sides went in goalless at the break with big chances in short supply.
Manuela Giugliano went for the spectacular with a 25-yard strike but it flew well wide as a similar pattern of Argentinian organisation frustrating Italian attacks continued in the second half.
She had another crack from a free-kick that curled onto the roof of the net, while Giada Greggi drilled an effort into the arms of veteran goalkeeper Vanina Correa as the minutes ticked down.
Dragoni’s ticket was punched with seven minutes remaining as Italy coach Bertolini introduced another attacker in Girelli in her search for a winner.
And it paid off when the experienced Juventus forward rose to meet a cross and head home the decisive goal with three minutes left on the clock.
Argentina threatened a stoppage-time equaliser when Florencia Bonsegundo's fierce free-kick required a sharp save from Francesca Durante, who dove right to beat it away.
Italy threatened a second on the break as the South Americans pushed forward in search of a leveller, but Girelli's 54th international goal proved decisive.
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