Italy took first place in Group C riding on the Five goals against debutants Jamaica at the Stade Auguste-Delaune, Reims. A hat-trick from Cristiana Girelli in the 12, 25′, 46′ minutes while Galli found the net in the 71′, 81′
Italy:
The best finish that Italy has in women’s football is their Runner Up place in the 1993 and 1997 editions of the UEFA Women’s Championships and a Quarterfinal finish at the FIFA World Cup 1991. The Le Azzure in this edition of the World Cup had won in their opening fixture against Australia to come from behind to beat the Socceroos 2-1.
Against the Jamaicans their coach Milena Bertolini shaped up her unit in a flat 4-3-3 formation with Daniela Sabatino, Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea in the attack. Bonansea was the star of the team scoring a brace in their opener.
Jamaica:
Jamaica had a nightmare start when they faced Brazil in their opening encounter where the Samba girls with a 3-0 scoreline.
The Reggae Girls as they are popularly known are under the Hue Menzies who will be playing in the 4-3-3 against the Italian side
First Half saw 2 goals from Girelli:
Referee Anna-Marie Keighley awarded the spot kick after due consideration when Allyson Swaby took down Barbara Bonansea in the 18 yard box.
Jamaican keeper Sydney Schneider came up with an impressive stop as she dived to her left and denied Girelli’s penalty strike. The Caribbean celebrations were abruptly ended as the penalty was ordered to be retaken as the goalkeeper was ruled to be off her line before it took place.
Read in Hindi: सबसे तेज 3000 एकदिवसीय रन
Cristiana Girelli took her second chance, and placed the ball to the keeper’s right in the 12th minute.
Italy 1 -0 Jamaica
The Italian no 10 Cristiana Girelli scored her second in the 25th minute when the ball was deflected off her thigh from a corner. Italy 2 -0 Jamaica
Second Half also had one goal from Cristiana Girelli:
Italy started the second period of 45 minutes with a strong surge but 53 ranked Jamaica was in search of their first-ever World Cup goal
Action in the 46th minute saw Schneider miss her punch and the ball found its way into the Italian net off Girelli’s shoulder. Italy 3 -0 Jamaica.
Grey and Adamolekun, proved difficult for the Italian defense, but their inability to score.
Substitute Aurora Galli nets the fourth for La Azzurre in the 71st minute with a piledriver from about 20 yards out. She put too much power and pace behind the shot for Schneider to make the save
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Italy are in a strong position in Group C, with three points from their first game against Australia and with a two-goal lead against Jamaica
Aurora Galli came up on the Score sheet as she scores her second goal for the evening. Galli was threaded on a through ball from Manuela Giugliano, before rounding Jamaica keeper Schneider and tapping in from close range
Italy are favourite to end the year with the top position of the group when they take on Brazil in the last matchday of the group, while Jamaica is still in search of a first-ever goal in the world finals and will hope to find it when they face Australia
Player of the Match: Hat trick girl Cristiana Girelli, who plays for Juventus, was declared Player of the match for her fine goals.