Group D: Italy fails to capitalize on oppressive superiority against Iceland

Italy was clearly the dominating team against Iceland over 90 minutes. Nevertheless, the southern Europeans did not win at 1: 1 (0: 1). This puts Italy at the bottom of Group D with just one point going into the final day of group play. And now they desperately need a win in the last game against Belgium. Iceland (two points) must finally assert themselves against France.

Italy coach Milena Bertolini was optimistic after the game: “We knew we had to get through in the last game, so it’s nothing new. A goal so early could have destroyed the players’ confidence, but they did well to do it react.” Rakel Hönnudottir, Iceland midfielder, admitted: “Italy should have scored another goal with their chances. They attacked for most of the game but in the end Iceland could have stolen the win.”

While Iceland could live with the 1-1 draw against Belgium in the opening game, the disappointment in the Italian camp after the 1-1 draw with France was considerable. Italy coach Milena Bertolini reacted accordingly and changed the staff in five positions. Lucia Di Guglielmo, Flaminia Simonetti, Martina Piemonte, Martina Rosucci and Valentina Giacinti started for Elisa Bartoli, Aurora Galli, Manuela Giugliano, Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea.

Throw in, goal – Iceland leads early

However, none of this could prevent the Italians from making another false start. Less than three minutes had passed before they were unable to defend a throw-in from the Icelandic women. The ball tumbled through Italy’s 16 until Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir came from behind and put the ball in the top right corner from 14 meters – 1-0 for Iceland.

The Italians looked embarrassed, but now set out to take control of the game. Apparently Iceland was fine with that – at least the northern Europeans withdrew a long way for now. The most dangerous Italian in the next few minutes was Arianna Caruso, who failed in the 18th minute after a corner kick from close range by an Icelandic defensive leg.

Three minutes later, Caruso took a shot from afar – but her 18-metre shot was safe prey for Iceland goalkeeper Sandra Sigurdadottir.

Italy – a lot of ball possession, little return

All in all, Italy, despite all their dominance (85 percent possession of the ball after 30 minutes!), lacked the consistency to be able to take advantage of their superiority. They almost caught the 0:2 in one of the rare counterattacks by the northerners. But Sveindis Jonsdottir, who had won the ball deep in the opponent’s half, lacked the power to make a free shot from 16 metres.

Of course, with referee Lina Lehtovaara of Finland kicking off the second half, Italy had no other option: they had to come up with more. Take even more risk. But that didn’t work at first. The “Isis” had everything under control further back, the first ten minutes were uneventful.

Bergamaschi breaks the spell

After a good hour, however, the time had come: in the left half of the penalty area, substitute Barbara Bonansea finally tanked up to the baseline. The first attempt at a cross failed, but on the second attempt she found Valentina Bergamaschi, who put the ball in the goal from eight meters to the left.

The superiority of the Italians was now downright overwhelming. The southern Europeans put on a power play and time and time again the spectators in Manchester City’s small training academy were screaming to score.

Bonansea to the post

In the 72nd minute, Bonansea hit the left post with the best opportunity from 13 yards. With all their zeal, however, the Italians would have run into the decisive counterattack in the final phase. But although they didn’t concede another goal, the draw was ultimately a disappointment.