Valenciennes: Barbara Bonansea fired Italy to a remarkable comeback win over Australia after her brace, including a stoppage time winner, claimed a 2-1 Group C victory on Sunday.
Juventus’ Bonansea pounced on a dreadful first touch from Clare Polkinghorne to race through and level for the Italians 11 minutes after the break after hotshot striker Sam Kerr had rammed home the opener for the Matildas on the rebound from her own 22nd-minute penalty. Daniela Sabatino thought she had won it for Italy with nine minutes remaining when she finished well after hitting the post, only for her goal to be ruled out for offside. But Bonansea scored from a free-kick five minutes into added time to see the Italians home on their return to the World Cup after a 20-year absence.
The three points puts Italy at the top of the group ahead of Brazil’s clash with Jamaica later on Sunday. England also open their World Cup campaign with a Group D derby against Scotland in the day’s late game. From a surprise penalty scorer in Jordan Pickford to a more conventional one here.
The figure of a darting Nikita Parris, forehead gleaming in the oppressive Nice heat, leaping into the celebration for her first World Cup goal, fists pummelling the air, embodied England’s slick, impressive opening performance and they ultimately saw off an inferior Scotland side with very little strain. F or all the consternation and hand-wringing that had followed their stalling send-off at Brighton. (AFP)
