Italy stormed through to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory over China, with goals from Valentina Giacinti and Aurora Galli.
The Azzurre broke through early on in this Round of 16 tie when Giacinti pounced on a defensive error to spark the Barbara Bonansea counter and then finished the move from Elisa Bartoli’s cross.
There was a VAR check that decided China would not receive a penalty for Sara Gama’s challenge on Wang Shuang, while Laura Giuliani was crucial with her save on the same player.
Italy stormed through to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory over China, with goals from Valentina Giacinti and Aurora Galli.
The Azzurre broke through early on in this Round of 16 tie when Giacinti pounced on a defensive error to spark the Barbara Bonansea counter and then finished the move from Elisa Bartoli’s cross.
There was a VAR check that decided China would not receive a penalty for Sara Gama’s challenge on Wang Shuang, while Laura Giuliani was crucial with her save on the same player.
Galli came off the bench for injured Cristiana Girelli and doubled Italy’s lead straight after the restart with another thunderbolt from outside the box, her second goal from distance in this tournament.
China stepped up the pressure for the final 30 minutes and poured forward, but the Nazionale held firm in defence and Giacinti even forced a late save on the counter.
Italy reach the quarter-finals, equalling their best ever showing in the Women’s World Cup after 13 years.
They will face either the Netherlands or Japan on Saturday afternoon.
Italy 2-0 China
Giacinti 15 (I), Galli 49 (I)