Strong Italians made to fight harder than expected for their victory

Malta Italy 0 2

Malta: J. Xuereb, E. Lipman, S. Farrugia, D. Theuma (AM Said 59), R. Cuschieri, M. Farrugia, S. Zammit, J. Flask, C. Zammit, B. Borg (E. Xuereb 71), N. Sciberras (J. L. Turner 82)

Italy: L. Giuliani, V. Bergamaschi, S. Gama, A. Galli, G. Marinelli (C. Girelli 45), E. Bartoli (A. Guagni 84), S. Tarenzi (M. Rosucci 63), L. Fusetti, V. Giacinti, V. Cernoia, M. Giugliano.

Referee: I. Projkovska (Macedonia)

Asst refs:

Soklevska

4th official: M. Koneska Scorers: E. Bartoli 69, C. Girelli 90 pen

Yellow cards: J. Flask 47, E. Lipman 90 B. Atanasovski, E.

A strong Italian side was made to fight hard by a stubborn Maltese team which only bowed to a 69th minute strike from Elisa Bartoli and an added time penalty goal.

These were the only occasions from which the Azzurri girls were allowed to score as a well organised Malta side defended with purpose for most of the time, inspired by a very good performance by goalie Janice Xuereb.

At the end of the first half the score was still goalless as despite the Italian dominance, the Maltese played their hearts out in keeping them at bay.

It was certainly an encouraging performance by Mark Gatt’s girls who fought for every ball, even if they were rarely given a chance to move into their opponents’ area. In the second half, with the strong wind at their backs, the Italians remained in dominant mood with the Malta girls never being given a single opportunity to approach the Blues’ area.

After opening the score with a good goal, there was never any doubt as to where the points were going as the Azzurri were in command, adding their second goal in the final moments.

The Italians quickly went on attack and after 4 minutes, a fine shot from Gloriana Marinelli went just over the bar.

In the 16th minute, Valentina Giacinti had a shot from the edge of the area going just over. Soon after, Malta goalie Janice Xuereb was a protagonist as she dived sideways to save a good effort from Aurora Galli.

On 27 minutes, the same Galli had a fine shot saved in two attempts by Xuereb.

The Malta goalie did well on 36 minutes to rush out of her charge to block a Giacinti incursion.

And in the 40th minute came Malta’s first real attack. It was Maria Farrugia who set Brenda Borg in the Azzurri area, but the latter miskicked the ball from an ideal position.

Italy went close to scoring on the hour. A melee in the Malta area ended with the ball at Bartoli’s feet, but her effort was blocked by a magnificent Janice Xuereb.

The Malta goalie was again prominent in the 65th minute saving in two attempts a close range header from Bergamaschi.

Finally Italy broke the ice in the 69th minute. It was a solo effort from Elisa Bartoli who received a good ball from Girelli and weaved her way past several Malta defenders to place the ball well wide of Xuereb’s reach.

Deep into added time Malta conceded a second goal as Emma Lipman handled the ball in the area off a cross from the left and the Macedonian referee quickly pointed to the dreaded spot. Cristiana Girelli made no mistake from the spotkick.

Photos: Domenic Auqilina