Sports

Italy upsets Australia with Bonansea double

June 09, 2019

VALENCIENNES, France — Barbara Bonansea scored twice to give Italy a surprise, last-gasp 2-1 victory against Australia in their opening Group C game at the women's World Cup on Sunday.

The Azzurre, back at the World Cup after a 20-year absence, prevailed when striker Bonansea headed home from a free kick five minutes into stoppage time.

Australia captain Sam Kerr had opened the scoring by firing home on the rebound after her penalty was saved by Italy keeper Laura Giuliani in the 22nd minute.

Bonansea, however, equalized 11 minutes into the second half after a defensive blunder on the edge of the box.

"I’m very happy with this result. But it only holds real value if we get out of the group, so let’s wait and see how great it is," Italy coach Milena Bertolini said.

"In the first half, we didn’t showcase our qualities. Australia were strong but we didn’t do ourselves justice. In the second half, we wanted to show that we were superior to Australia and we improved a lot of things about our style of play.”

Australia coach Ante Milicic vowed to stay true to the Matildas' style despite the defeat.

"We are not going to change our style because we got caught at the back (for Italy's first goal)," he said.

"We will always build up from the back."

Jamaica play Brazil in the other Group C game on Sunday. — Reuters


June 09, 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
25 minutes ago

Rajković shines as Al-Ittihad edge Al-Hilal in dramatic King’s Cup quarter-final

Sports
33 minutes ago

Al-Qadsiah secures spot in King’s Cup semi-finals with dominant win over Al-Taawoun

Sports
5 hours ago

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao arrive in Jeddah ahead of Spanish Super Cup semi-final