A one-sided match which was managed with a know-how typical of the big sides. Milena Bertolini’s side continued their winning streak, which began from the start of their European Championship qualifying campaign, with a 3-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday, a result which saw them qualify for the final of the Algarve Cup. After Girelli’s goal and Schroffenegger’s penalty save in the first half, an eventful second half followed: Bonansea and Tarenzi added to Italy’s tally, Gama hit the post, Lenzini made her debut and the Azzurre created numerous chances.

On Wednesday 11 March at the Stadio Da Bela Vista in Parchal (kick-off: 19:45 CET), Italy will face a German side who beat Norway in the other semi-final. Germany have won 15 of the 28 previous meetings with the Azzurre and haven’t suffered defeat in the fixture since 2001. With the Germans also second in the FIFA ranking behind the United States, a big performance will be required. However, the Azzurre are ready and want to continue to bring joy.

“I’m really happy with the performance,” said Milena Bertolini after the match. “The girls took to the pitch with the right attitude, we were compact and I saw movements being made that we’ve practised in the past few days. We’ll be facing one of the strongest teams in the world in the final, but we can cause anyone problems with this spirit and belief.”

THE MATCH – There were five new faces in Italy’s starting line-up compared to their opener against Portugal. Three years on from her last start between the sticks, Schroffenegger was selected in goal. A back four of Gama, Guagni, Linari and Bartoli lined up in front of her. In midfield, 21-year-old Mascarello made her Azzurre debut, while an attacking trio consisting of Bonansea, Girelli and Tarenzi played up front. Italy started the game well, trying to make the most of their technical quality. New Zealand, meanwhile, were happy to soak up the pressure and try to hit Bertolini’s girls on the break. The Azzurre took the lead in the 20th minute: Girelli got on the end of Guagni’s cross and capitalised on Leat’s misjudgement to fire into an empty net and score her 39th Italy goal. The Juve striker was a real threat throughout the first half and constantly involved in the Azzurre’s attacking play. However, New Zealand had a golden opportunity to level matters when they were given a penalty in the 44th minute for a handball by Guagni in the box. But Schroffenegger came to the rescue, keeping out Longo’s attempt.

After the restart, the Football Ferns looked to push forward more, leaving space for Italy to hit them on the counter. After Gama had hit the post at the beginning of the second period, the Azzurre doubled their lead with 56 minutes on the clock, with Bonansea making the most of Girelli’s assist. Ten minutes later, Tarenzi bagged Italy’s third after being set up by Bonansea’s back-heel. In the closing stages, Italy managed their advantage well and never risked giving up their lead. The girls are on the right path.

NEW ZEALAND 0-3 ITALY
Goals: 20’ Girelli (I), 56’ Bonansea, 68’ Tarenzi.

NEW ZEALAND (5-4-1): Leat; Bott, Skilton, Stott, Moore, Riley; White, Percival, Bowen, Longo; Wilkinson. Substitutes: Esson, Nayler, Rood, Chance, Hassett, Gregorius, Stratford, Radosavljevic, Satchell, Cleverley, Bunge, Robertson. Head Coach: Tom Sermanni.
ITALY (4-3-3): Schroffenegger; Guagni (78’ Lenzini), Gama, Linari, Bartoli; Cernoia (70’ Galli), Mascarello (86’ Boattin), Rosucci (86’ Caruso); Tarenzi (70’ Bonfantini), Bonansea (78’ Bonetti), Girelli. Substitutes: Giuliani, Baldi, Salvai, Tortelli, Caruso, Galli, Sabatino. Head Coach: Milena Bertolini.

Referee: Ivana Martincic (CRO), Assistants: Almira Spahic (SWE) and Alexandra Petra (ROU). Fourth Official: Silva Rosa Domingos (POR). Bookings: Tarenzi (I), White (NZ)

Results:
Germany 4-0 Norway
Sweden 1-2 Denmark
Belgium 1-0 Portugal

Calendar:
Tuesday 10 March (kick-off times to be confirmed)

3rd/4th place: Norway vs. New Zealand
5th/6th place: Denmark vs. Belgium
7th/8th place: Portugla vs. Sweden

Wednesday 11 March (Parchal, 19:45 CET)
Final: Italy vs. Germany