Wales Women kicked off their Nations League campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Italy in Monza.
A first-half goal from Barbara Bonansea proved to be the difference, but there were still plenty of positives for Rhian Wilkinson’s side to take from the match. Competing in League A of the Nations League, Wales were up against an Italian team that showed a bit more quality, but the visitors remained competitive throughout.
Ranked 17 places lower than their hosts, Wales made Italy work hard for the win and there was plenty to build on ahead of Tuesday's clash with Sweden. In the lead up to the match Wilkinson stressed this was the level Wales wanted to be competing at and while they did lack a killer instinct in front of goal they did prove they can live with the better teams.
READ MORE: Six Nations stadium with 30,000 capacity that hosted Wales matches left abandoned and overgrown
READ MORE: Tonight's rugby news as Welsh team in 'pole position' to bring Ross Moriarty home
Wales got off to a difficult start when Bonansea's low header from a Manuela Giugliano corner found its way past goalkeeper Olivia Clark to give Italy the lead just four minutes in. The visitors almost found themselves two goals down shortly after, with Cristiana Girelli hitting the crossbar.
WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
taly continued to press, with Clark pulling off two superb saves to keep Wales in the game. Wales gradually found their rhythm, creating a few chances of their own.
Angharad James came close when her fierce shot grazed the outside of the post. But Italy’s set-piece threat remained strong, and Bonansea almost set up a second goal for Sofia Cantore, but her unmarked volley sailed wide.
Despite a shaky start, Wales recovered well and showed promising signs, though they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. After the break, Wales came out strong with Ceri Holland and Jess Fishlock causing problems for Italy.
But despite their pressure, the visitors were unable to find the finishing touch in front of goal. Italy had their own close calls.
A cross from Giulia Dragoni found an unmarked Elena Linari, but the Italy captain’s header went just wide. As the game progressed, Italy upped their game, and Wales had to thank the outstanding Clark for keeping them in the contest.
Martina Piemonte, on as a substitute, nearly doubled Italy's lead with a header, but Clark produced another top-class save. Wales found themselves under more pressure as Piemonte's powerful shot was blocked by Gemma Evans, who had lost possession.
The Italian attack continued to press late on, but Wales dug deep to hold them off, although they couldn’t prevent the loss. Despite the defeat, there are plenty of positive takeaways for Wales to build on ahead of their next fixtures in the competition.
Wales (4-2-3-1) Clark; Roberts, Davies, Evans, Woodham; James-Turner, Ladd; Holland (Griffiths 69), Fishlock (Loel 69), Jones (Morgan 46); Cain.
