Italy Women produced a fantastic performance to secure second place in the group and retain their League A status in the Nations League. In Swansea, just 30 days before their EURO 2025 opener, Andrea Soncin’s side beat Wales 4–1 thanks to a display full of quality, character and cohesion. With a near-perfect first half, Italy wiped out any risk of having to play a relegation play-off, which is exactly what Denmark will have to do after their 6-1 defeat to Sweden. In the opening 45 minutes, Linari, Cantore and Girelli all found the net, the latter of whom bagged a brace with two headers from two Giugliano crosses. In the second half, Italy stayed solid, allowing Wales few chances. Fishlock managed to pull one back with a fantastic long-range strike, but it was little consolation for the home side, who were overwhelmed by a dominant Azzurre side.

“The girls played a fantastic match,” said the Head Coach after the final whistle. “Our approach to the game was excellent; we were aggressive up front straight away and managed to control play. I’m proud of what all the players are showing, starting from those who have had less time on the pitch. I can honestly say I’m very pleased with how the group is growing and the values that are emerging. Coming second was anything but guaranteed in such a tough group.”

THE MATCH. For the team’s final game in Group 4, Andrea Soncin stuck with the team’s tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation but made three changes from the starting line-up against Sweden. In defence, Lenzini returned from injury, replacing the suspended Di Guglielmo and slotting in alongside Salvai and Linari. Compared to Friday’s match, Oliviero switched sides to the right flank to make room for Soffia, who made her first start since playing the full 90 minutes against Malta in October. The midfield trio of Giugliano, Caruso and Severini retained their starting berths, while Cantore and Girelli (her 118th Azzurre appearance) got the nod over Bonansea and Piemonte up front.

After an even start, Soncin’s side, wearing green, opened the scoring in the ninth minute: Giugliano’s corner caused chaos in the box before Linari volleyed home to score her sixth Italy goal and silence the almost 6000 fans in attendance at the Swansea Stadium. Just over ten minutes later, Girelli netted for the 57th time in an Azzurre shirt: Giugliano delivered a perfect cross for the Juventus attacker, who headed past Clack to double Italy’s lead. Despite Holland’s efforts down the right flank, Wales struggled to respond against an Azzurre side who scored a third in the 41st minute through Cantore (her fifth international goal) and a fourth through Girelli, who finished off another Giugliano assist.

With Italy well in control, Soncin made several changes at the break, sending on Bergamaschi for Soffia (on a booking) and Giacinti for Cantore. Shortly afterwards, Piga and Cambiaghi replaced Lenzini and Girelli, the latter of whom was applauded by the entire stadium. The Azzurre slowed down the pace slightly as Wales looked to score a consolation goal. But to get past Lenzini and Linari, something special was needed. This arrived in the 82nd minute, when the newly introduced Fishlock produced a fantastic lob to beat Durante from distance. Nevertheless, it didn’t take the shine off a commanding performance from Italy, who can’t wait for the European Championship to begin. The trip to Switzerland is just around the corner, and the Azzurre are ready to have fun and entertain.

WALES 1-4 ITALY

Wales (4-3-3): Clark (45+4’ Middleton-Patel); Green (77’ Morgan E.), Davies, Ladd, Evans, Woodham; Holland, James, Griffiths (77’ Fishlock); Rowe (77’ Joel), Jones (46’ Huges), Cain. Substitutes: Kelly, Richardson, Teisar, Barton, Estcourt, Powell, Morgan F. Head Coach: Wilkinson

Italy (3-5-2): Giuliani; Lenzini (57’ Piga), Salvai, Linari; Oliviero, Giugliano, Caruso, Severini, Soffia (46’ Bergamaschi); Girelli (69’ Cambiaghi), Cantore (46’ Giacinti). Substitutes: Baldi, Durante, Rosucci, Goldoni, Schatzer, Bonansea, Bonfantini, Cambiaghi, Monnecchi. Head Coach: Soncin

Goalscorers: 9’ Linari (I), 20’ and 45+5’ Girelli (I), 41’ Cantore (I), 82’ Fishlock (G)
Referee: Antoniou (GRE). Assistants: Tsiklitari (GRE) and Papadopoulou (GRE). Fourth official: Pingiou (GRE).
Notes:  Soffia (I) and Lenzini (I) booked. Stoppage time: 5’, 3'. Attendance: 5964

CALENDAR, RESULTS AND STANDINGS, LEAGUE A GROUP 4

Matchday 1: ITALY 1-0 Wales, Denmark 1-2 Sweden
Matchday 2: ITALY 1-3 Denmark, Wales 1-1 Sweden
Matchday 3:  Sweden 3-2 ITALY, Wales 1-2 Denmark
Matchday 4: Denmark 0-3 ITALY, Sweden 1-1 Wales
Matchday 5: ITALY 0-0 Sweden, Denmark 1-0 Wales
Matchday 6: Wales 1-4 ITALY, Sweden 6-1 Denmark

Standings: Sweden 12 points, ITALY 10, Denmark 9, Wales 2