One year ago, the Azzurrine’s only success at the La Manga Tournament came against Norway as goals from Martina Piemonte and Elisabetta Oliviero secured a 2-0 win. Italy are now competing in the tournament for a second time, but history didn’t repeat itself as the Under-23 Women’s National Team fell to a 2-1 defeat in a game of two halves: Norway had the upper hand in the first half before the Azzurrine reacted and dominated the second period. But it wasn’t to be for Italy, who came so close to making it 2-2 through Martina Piemonte – one of the key players In last year’s win – late on.

After Kristine Leine had given Norway an early lead, Italy equalised after 22 minutes through Roma midfielder Agnese Bonfantini, who made the most of Marta Mascarello’s assist. However, Marit Bratberg Lund then scored a penalty in the 31st minute to condemn the Azzurrine to their first defeat at the tournament. Italy’s next game will be against Sweden at 18:00 CEST on Sunday.

"It was a good performance," said Coach Jacopo Leandri, "even if we were a bit tentative in the first half. In the second half, the girls were more courageous and we forced Norway to remain in their half of the pitch. We deserved a draw out of it."