Organisation, compactness and spirit. The Azzurre followed Milena Bertolini's orders and frightened the European champions with a performance that, defeat aside, erased the disappointments from the end of 2022. In Coventry, England won 2-1 in the second match of the Arnold Clark Cup, managing, in the end, to win a match that Cantore - with her first goal for the national team - had deservedly brought back into balance. The pace impressed the English side at times, and so was the warmth of the 30,000 fans present at the Coventry Arena, but Italy were there and wanted to get back to having fun and entertaining. So much progress has been made today, which must now be followed up in the final match on Wednesday in Bristol (17:45 CET, live coverage on Rai Sport + HD) against South Korea.

"I am very satisfied, the girls played well against a very strong team" said Milena Bertolini after the final whistle "we are working to improve and this match gives us great confidence. We still have to improve from the point of view of courage and ruthlessness in goal, but I am convinced that we will be ready for the world championship. I congratulate the English federation for the work they are doing. It was a celebration of football, the stadium was full and the fans welcomed us in an incredible way”.

The match - To counter England's strength, Milena Bertolini relied on her most experienced players, already accustomed to this level and managing - especially on an emotional level - the environmental difficulties dictated by a full stadium behind the Lionesses. In goal, Giuliani returns, in front of her was the defensive pair formed by the two bianconere Lenzini and Salvai, while in midfield next to Rosucci were Giugliano and Galli, who since playing at Everton has become the darling of the home public. Up top, the coach opted for the front-three formed by Giacinti, Bonansea and Girelli. Sarina Wiegman also revolutionised the starting line-up and there were nine changes to the eleven fielded last Thursday in the victory over South Korea.

The European champions started off strong in an attempt to immediately put Italy on the ropes, who, however, did not flinch. On the contrary, relaunching, making the first threat in the box thanks to Giacinti's shot that was deflected for a corner by the attentive Roebuck. After the attempt of the Giallorossi striker, in the 5th minute, the duel between Daly and Giuliani was unleashed, with the Italian goalkeeper rejecting her first two efforts from distance but then forced to capitulate with the header of the Aston Villa midfielder, who in the 31st minute took advantage of Robinson's perfect cross to score her twelfth goal in the national team.

The joy of Sofia and her team-mates lasted less than 10 minutes, however. In the 71st minute, new arrival James - a Chelsea player like her brother Reece - sent in a cross that was met by the unstoppable Rice, who was able to anticipate Salvai's intervention and make it 2-1 with a perfect header that went into the far corner. At the end, Italy poured forward with courage and personality, forcing the English to close in to defend the result. The final whistle was accompanied by jubilation mixed with sighs of relief from the public, who had not expected such an organised and fighting Italy. The pride of the Azzurre made the European champions tremble, and to regain their smile and travel with optimism towards the World Cup they will now have to beat South Korea in the last match of the tournament.

 

ENGLAND 2-1 ITALY (1-0 HT)

Goals: 31’ and 71’ Daly (E), 62’ Cantore (I)

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Roebuck; Greenwood (63’ Wubben-Moy), Charles, Le Tissier, Walsh (46’ Zelem); Coombs, Park, Carter, Charles; Daly (81’ Salmon), Robinson (63’ James), Hemp (63’ Kelly). Subs: Earps, Maciver, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Nobbs. Coach: Sarina Wiegman

ITALY (4-3-3): Giuliani; Bergamaschi (70’ Orsi), Lenzini, Salvai, Boattin (46’ Linari); Galli (55’ Caruso), Rosucci (79’ Greggi), Giugliano; Giacinti, Girelli (55’ Cantore), Bonansea (79’ Serturini). Subs: Schroffenegger, Baldi, Cafferata, Filangeri, Severini, Bonfantini, Catena, Piemonte, Polli. Coach: Milena Bertolini.

Referee: Ivana Projkovska (MKD). Lineswomen: Vjolca Izeiri (MKD) and Elena Sokleska Ilieska (MKD). Fourth official: Ainara Acevedo Dudley (MDK).

ARNOLD CLARK CUP SCHEDULE*

First Matchday - Milton Keynes, Thursday 16 February

Italy 1-2 Belgium
England 4-0 South Korea

Second Matchday - Coventry, Sunday 19 February

England 2-1 Italy
Belgium vs South Korea (19.15 CET)

Third Matchday - Bristol, Wednesday 22 February

South Korea vs Italy (17.45 CET live on rai Sport + HD)
England vs Belgium (20.45 CET)

*The tournament will be won by the team with the most points at the end of the three matches; in the event of a tie, the best goal difference will be taken into account to determine the winner, followed by the number of goals scored and then head to head.