Striker Cristiana Girelli came off the bench to head an 87th-minute winner in Italy’s Women’s World Cup opener against Argentina.
It looked as though Italy were going to be frustrated in Auckland by a gritty defensive performance from Argentina before substitute Girelli came good to earn the 1-0 victory. The experienced Juventus attacker had replaced Giulia Dragoni in the 83rd minute, taking over from the midfielder who at the age of 16 years and 259 days became one of the youngest players in the tournament’s history.
“Cristiana is a leader, a captain of this group,” said Italy manager Milena Bertolini of the match-winner. “She is always there and we know what she can give. “We are very happy. We know how important it is to start such a tournament well.”
Bertolini had no hesitation in giving a start to youngster Dragoni who only made her debut for the senior side on 1 July, but ultimately it was the 33-year-old Girelli who made the difference. “Giulia is a talent of Italian football,” said Bertolini of the teenager. “She was ready and she did well playing in a big stadium. If they are here, it is because they deserve it.”
Come the crunch moment of an often tetchy game, Girelli got on the end of Lisa Boattin’s cross and looped the ball over Vanina Correa. In front of a crowd of 30,889 spectators, Italy had earlier seen goals by Arianna Caruso and Valentina Giacinti ruled out for offside.
Italy also included 18-year-old forward Chiara Beccari from the start. They go to Wellington next to play Sweden, who also have three points in Group G, on Saturday (kick-off 08:30 BST).
Argentina’s next match is against South Africa in Dunedin on Friday (01:00 BST).