Italy’s first defeat at the Women’s World Cup didn’t prove to be too hurtful. Following the comeback 2-1 win over Australia and the heavy 5-0 triumph over Jamaica, the Azzurre lost 1-0 against Brazil but still topped Group C on goal difference. That will give the team a week off to prepare of the round of 16 fixture on Tuesday 25 June at 18:00 CET in Montpellier against one of the best third-placed sides with Nigeria and China the possible opponents. Italy were alert and well-organised through the game before the legendary Marta scored the game’s only goal after a penalty was awarded for slight contact between Linari and Debinha.

"I’m sorry for the defeat," said Milena Bertolini straight after. "Perhaps a draw would have been a fairer result but the best thing is that we’re top. We’re happy, now we have to rest and recover our mental and physical energies." Our of the 22,000 spectators in attendance at the Stade du Hainaut, there was a large number of Italy fans. "It was emotional and it made us very happy." Sara Gama was also in a positive mood: "We’re top, we wouldn’t have expected this in our most optimistic predictions. We deserved it on the pitch and I think there’s room for improvement. Today, one moment settled the game."

Once again, Gabriele Gravina was in attendance for the match along with Marco Brunelli. "It’s a defeat that doesn’t hurt and it moves into the background considering the first-place finish. It’s an extraordinary result, it was impossible to think of it before. Again tonight, our girls showed against a great Brazil side that they’re an exceptional group. My congratulations go to them, Milena Bertolini and all the staff."

THE MATCH - Serie A top scorer Valentina Giacinti started for the first time at the competition with Italy lining up in a 4-3-1-2. Girelli dropped deeper to get the ball from Giugliano and Cernoia while Bonansea played wider to make the most of her dribbling. After scoring two against Jamaica, Aurora Galli earned a starting spot back. Bergamaschi was on the bench while Alia Guagni and Elisa Bartoli kept their places. With Formiga suspended, Marta started despite not being at 100 per cent. Cristiane was alongside her up front in a 4-4-2 formation. AC Milan’s Thaisa was in the middle along with Andressinha, Debinha and Ludmila came in for the injured Andressa.

Brazil started strongly with Marta getting into the swing of things early on. However, Italy missed the first big chance in the 5th minute. Giacinti held the ball up well and laid the ball off for Bonansea who forced a save from Barbar. In the 17th minute, Laura Giuliani made a great reflex save to stop Debinha’s back-heel before tipping the following corner over the bar. The six-time World Player of the Year was getting all over the pitch and looking to push her team on. Girelli scored a great goal but it was disallowed for a clear offside and there was no need to check with VAR. Soon after, Cernoia went close with a header from a corner. In the 40th minute, Italy clicked for a great counterattack. Cernoia set up Guagni who crossed to Bonansea at the far post who dived in to force a great stop from Barbara.

In the second half, Brazil pressed on the accelerator as they went in search of the goal needed to avoid a potential clash with France in the last 16. In the 52nd minute, Andressinha hit the bar with a free kick from the edge of the area before Kathellen narrowly missed with a header. It was time to knuckle down and Bergamaschi came on for Giacinti, moving out wide with Girelli becoming the focal point up front. For Brazil, Beatriz took the place of Cristiane. In the 74th minute, Brazil took the lead. Linari brought Debina, the contact was slight but enough to convince the Mexican referee Venegas to point to the spot and Marta sent Giuliani the wrong way. The goal, however, failed to change the situation in the group. Italy remained top so it’s mission accomplished ahead of the trip to Montpellier!

ITALY 0-1 BRAZIL

Goal: 74’ pen Marta (B)

ITALY: Giuliani; Guagni, Gama (C), Linari, Bartoli (70’ Boattin); Giugliano, Cernoia, Galli; Girelli (78’ Mauro); Giacinti (63’ Bergamaschi), Bonansea. Substitutes: Marchitelli, Fusetti, Cimini Tucceri, Rosucci, Parisi, Serturini, Sabatino, Tarenzi, Pipitone. Head Coach: Milena Bertolini.

BRAZIL Barbara; Tamires, Leticia Santos (76’ Poliana), Kathellen; Monica; Thaisa, Andressinha, Debinha, Ludmila; Marta (C) (83’ Luana), Cristiane (65’ Beatriz). Substitutes: Aline, Daiane, Andressa, Camila, Raquel Fernandes, Geysie, Leticia. Ct: Vadao.

Referee: Lucila Venegas (MEX). Assistants: Mayte Chavez (MEX) and Enedina Caudillo (MEX). Fourth official: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA). VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (SPA). AVAR: Luciana Mascarana (URU) and Tiago Martins (POR).

Notes: Attendance 21,669.