Italy and Spain played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Castel di Sangro in the Azzurre’s final test ahead of Euro 2022. The Azzurre had to dig deep in the first half before Bergamaschi gave them the lead not long after the break, only for Putellas to equalise for the guests in the 67th minute. Head coach Milena Bertolini was satisfied after the final whistle: “In order to improve, you need to play against the best. We had to sacrifice a lot in this game. There’s a lot that we need to improve but a draw against Spain is a source of confidence. The girls have a lot of quality but only by playing as a team can they go far. They were all great today and they all gave it 100%. Ahead of the game against France, we just need to keep working as we’ve done until now. It will be another story at the Euros but, for now, we’ll take this draw.”

 The game.  Bertolini went with her usual 4-3-3 system. Giuliani started in goal, Bartoli and Linari at centre-back and Boattin and Di Guglielmo out wide. Cernioa, Giugliano and Caruso formed the midfield trio, while Bonansea, Girelli and Bergamaschi started in attack. La Furia Roja started on the front foot and the Azzurre’s defence, in the first 15 minutes, had to be alert to tentative incursions into the box from García, Paredes and Putellas. Spain’s grip on the game grew ever tighter and Caldentey went close to opening the scoring in the 28th minute. Three Spanish corners then came to nothing. In the final quarter of an hour of the first half, Barcelona star Alexia Putellas had a go, but to no avail. 0-0 at the break.

The Azzurre took the lead three minutes into the second half through Bergamaschi, who volleyed home from Cernoia’s corner to score her seventh goal for Italy. Spain looked to hit back in the 55th minute as Guijarro’s effort struck the crossbar. La Furia Roja then did get their goal in the 67th minute: Cardona swung in the cross for Putellas, who headed past Giuliani to make it1-1. Italy were struck hard by the blow and almost conceded a second soon after but Bergamaschi got back to deny Putellas in a duel of the goalscorers. Italy also had a chance to restore their lead but nobody could get on the end of Simonetti’s free-kick. Spain had a late flurry but the Azzurre head out and it ended 1-1.

This result is sure to give Bertolini’s girls a confidence boost ahead of the Euros, and it coincided with a momentous occasion for the women’s game in Italy, which is, from today, fully professional at the top level. It’s a big milestone, FIGC President Gravina said, “today’s achievement is an important one and it is thanks to everyone involved: the Federation, Women’s Serie A, the clubs and all those that believed in this. Today, we’ve hit a big milestone for all of Italy, not just for women’s football.” He also shared some words of faith ahead of the Azzurre’s adventure in England: “The women’s game is growing and we expect the girls to play with enthusiasm, pride and a love for the Italy shirt. This is a shared path and we have all focused hard on the women’s game. Sacrifices and great care will be required and we need legislative support on this journey.”

 

ITALY 1-0 SPAIN (0-0 ht)

GOALS: 48’ Bergamaschi (I), 67’ Putellas (S)

ITALY (4-3-3): Giuliani; Di Guglielmo, Linari, Bartoli, Boattin; Cernoia (55’ Galli), Giugliano (73’ Rosucci), Caruso (46’ Simonetti); Bergamaschi (75’ Lenzini), Girelli (55’ Piemonte), Bonansea (46’ Giacinti). Subs.: Schroffenegger, Durante, Gama, Sabatino, Bonfantini, Filangeri. Coach: Milena Bertolini

SPAIN (4-3-3): Paños; Ona Batlle, León (46’ Andrés), Paredes, Ouahabi (63’ Carmona); Patri (63’ Aleixandri), Bonmatí (75’ Guerrero), Putellas; García, González (63’ Cardona), Caldentey (75’ Athenea del Castillo). Subs:. Gallardo, Rodriguez, Abelleira, Pereira, Sheila García, Pina. Coach: Jorge Vilda Rodríguez

REFEREE: Sabina Bolić (CRO)

NOTES: No bookings, 3,200 tickets sold