Thrilling Group C Opener: Italy Upsets Australia in 2019 Women’s World Cup
The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup delivered immediate drama as Group C kicked off with a highly competitive clash between Australia and Italy. In a match filled with tactical twists and a dramatic late winner, Italy stunned the Australian side with an injury-time goal, coming away with a memorable 2-1 victory. Below, we break down the key tactical and strategic elements that defined this exciting encounter.
Team Lineups and Tactical Setups
Both teams approached this match with distinctive formations designed to leverage their squad strengths. Italy opted for an attack-minded 4-3-3 system that emphasized quick transitions and direct play. Their lineup included ten players active in Italian domestic leagues, with defender Elena Linari representing Atletico Madrid as the exception.
Australia, on the other hand, deployed a 4-5-1 setup with defensive stability in mind. Ten of their players competed in the American NWSL, with only central midfielder Tameka Yallop playing abroad in Norway. The 4-5-1 formation allowed width and support from the midfield, but star forward Sam Kerr often struggled for support from her teammates.
| Australia (4-5-1) | Italy (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| L. Williams (GK), Catley, Kennedy, Polkinghorne, Carpenter, Raso, Yallop, van Egmond, Logarzo, Foord, Kerr | Giuliani (GK), Bergamaschi, Gama, Linari, Gugani, Galli, Giugliano, Cernoia, Mauro, Girelli, Bonansea |
Match Dynamics: Contrasting Styles and Physical Battle
From the outset, Australia sought to impose their control through possession, while Italy countered with a robust and high-intensity style. The match was extremely physical, with a combined 39 fouls, showcasing each team's willingness to battle for every ball.
Italy’s game plan revolved around bypassing the midfield and exploiting the pace and aerial ability of their forwards via long passes. This strategy proved highly effective: Italy won 22 aerial duels compared to Australia’s 13, underlining their dominance in the air. Despite their solid build-up, Australia relied heavily on their wide players, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord, to generate attacking momentum, often resulting in crosses aimed at Sam Kerr.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The first truly dangerous chance came from Italy, as Barbara Bonansea broke behind the defense and finished neatly, only for her goal to be disallowed for a razor-thin offside call. This moment exposed vulnerability in Australia’s high defensive line-a warning sign for what was to come.
Australia soon capitalized on a defensive lapse from Italy, earning a penalty after Sara Gama fouled Sam Kerr in the box. Although Kerr’s spot-kick was saved, she reacted quickly to slot the rebound into the net, giving Australia a 1-0 lead. Their focus on crossing continued, finishing the match with 32 balls delivered from wide areas.
Second Half: Italy's Momentum Builds
The second half saw an escalation in physical intensity but few clear chances for either side initially. Australia's determination to play out from the back proved costly, as defender Claire Polkinghorne’s misplaced pass allowed Bonansea to pounce and equalize for Italy, weaving past defenders to level the score at 1-1.
After bringing on Daniela Sabatino as a substitute, Italy gained further attacking impetus, with Sabatino having a goal ruled out for offside shortly after her introduction. Italy’s frequent forays on the counter continued to trouble the Australian defense, while their organization stifled Australia’s attempts to find Kerr with any meaningful service.
Last-Gasp Heroics: Italy Seals the Upset
In a dramatic conclusion, Italy earned a free kick on the right in stoppage time. Valentina Cernoia’s expertly delivered cross found Barbara Bonansea, who rose above Australia’s defenders to head in the winning goal just before the final whistle. The result reflected Italy’s clinical edge, as they converted key opportunities and showcased defensive solidity in crucial moments.
Statistical Snapshot and Takeaways
Despite seeing more of the ball and registering more shots and passes, Australia struggled to translate their possession into quality chances. In contrast, Italy’s fast transitions, aerial prowess, and set-piece threat proved decisive. The Italians also had two goals disallowed for offside, underscoring their aggressive attacking approach.
Key match facts:
- Total fouls: 39
- Aerial duels won: Italy 22, Australia 13
- Crosses attempted by Australia: 32
- Yellow cards: Italy 3, Australia 1
Conclusion: Italy Makes a Statement in Group C
This tightly contested match demonstrated Italy’s resurgence on the world stage and highlighted the importance of tactical adaptability and execution. While Australia’s reliance on wide play and possession offered periods of control, it was Italy’s composure, strength in transition, and set-piece discipline that ultimately made the difference. With this opening win, Italy set a confident tone for their Women’s World Cup campaign and put Group C on notice.
