Italy needed a late goal courtesy of substitute Cristiana Girelli to defeat a stubborn Argentina side 1-0 in their Group C fixture of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup at Eden Park on Monday.
After Italy dominated the first half that produced no goals, they were forced to wait until the 87th minute when Girelli, who had just come on four minutes earlier for Arianna Caruso, rose the highest to meet Lisa Boattin’s lofted cross and fire past goalkeeper Vanina Correa.
Italy were the better side in the opening exchanges and should have taken the lead with only six minutes played when Barbara Bonansea combined well with Arianna Caruso before setting up Chiara Beccari but her weak effort could not trouble Correa.
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In the 15th minute, Italy thought they had taken the lead when Caruso found the back of the net with a beautifully taken effort but after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 42nd, another good effort by Valentina Giacinti hit the back of the net but the flag was up for offside.
The second half started with Argentina looking more rejuvenated than the first period, and they almost broke the deadlock in the 49th minute but Italy keeper Francesca Durante produced a stunning save to deny Estefania Ruizafter from an in-swinging corner delivered by Romina Nunez.
Sweden will remain on top of the group with three points following their comeback 2-1 victory against South Africa on Sunday while Italy’s victory pushes them to the second spot. Italy will return to action to face Sweden at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday while Argentina will face South Africa at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Italy lineup (4-5-1): 22. Durante (GK) — 4. Di Guglielmo, 5. Linari, 17. Boattin, 23. Salvai — 18. Caruso (Greggi 58′), 16. Dragoni, 14. Beccari, 8. Bononsea, 6. Guigliano — 9. Giacinti.
Argentina Lineup (4-5-1): 1. Correa (GK) — 14. Mayorga, 3. Stabile, 6. Cornetti, 13. Braun — 22. Banini, 16. Benitez, 15. Bonsegundo, 8. Falfan, 7. Nunez — 19. Larroquette.