MATCH REPORT | All level between Spain and Italy in Vicenza (1-1)

With the magical atmosphere that fog brings to any stage, the Romeo Menti stadium played host to a high intensity encounter between Spain and Italy. Montse Tomé's side burst out of the blocks and within the first three minutes had created two chances, the most dangerous being a Vicky López’ shot from inside the area which was safely stopped by Giuliani.

In the early furlongs of the encounter, the Italians and Spaniards shared the chances in a continuous back and forth. The Spanish defence, dressed entirely in red, had to be at their most attentive to keep Andrea Soncin's team's attacks at bay.

The national team tried to get their foot on the ball and take control of the match in response to the coach's instructions from the bench. Cristina Martín-Prieto and Lucía García sought to break the lines and get in behind, while Vicky López tested the Italian goal from distance.

Nearing the half hour mark, Vicky Lopez drove the ball to a well positioned Martin-Prieto who, unfortunately, could not take the ball into her path. Undoubtedly, the clearest chance came two minutes later when Vicky López and Patri Guijarro combined to slot a pass into the danger area for Lucía García. Her cross-shot forced Giuliani to parry behind for a corner. The Spanish were in the ascendancy against the Azzurri. Amaiur first looked to link up with Martín-Prieto and then try her luck with a powerful shot to force Giuliani into another save in the final minutes of the half. Despite the chances, the score was still 0-0 as the players went to the tunnel. 8 shots, 4 on target, 4 corners and 65% possession. These were the numbers that reflected play in the first half at Romeo Menti España.

Soncin took advantage of the break to make a change and replace Bonansea with Dragoni. Montse Tomé, ever-active from the bench and without sitting down at any time, encouraged and pushed her team at all times. And her team responded with more attempts on goal when Vicky López shot over the bar.

Vicky Lopez's long-range effort sailed over the bar. The midfielder looked to generate dangerous chances. Amaiur and Sheila were making late runs inside the area and making the hearts of the 4,000 home fans in attendance at the stadium on Tuesday evening, 29th October, miss a beat with the threat they posed.

Montse Tomé made a change in the 57th minute, bringing on Alexia Putellas and Athenea del Castillo to replace Patricia Guijarro and Amaiur Sarriegi. Just a minute earlier Spain had another chance through Sheila García, after a through ball from Vicky López, who had been very active throughout the match. After the changes the Spanish pressure continued. The fresh arrival, Alexia, teamed up with Sheila but her pass was missed by Martín-Prieto. Lucía García, with an acrobatic attempt from a corner kick taken by Lucía García, drew gasps from the stands.

Montse Tomé made another double substitution. Martín-Prieto for Alba Redondo and Olga Carmona for Ona Batlle in the 68th minute. Before leaving the Sevillian had just launched a shot from outside the area that went narrowly wide. After the change, Italy had their only clear cut chance of the match so far, with a shot that had seemed destined for the top corner from Boattin before it was saved.

Once again Montse Tomé made two more changes. Laia Codina came on for Jana and Teresa Abelleira was replaced by Ana Tejada. It was the 75th minute and Spain were still camped in front of Giuliani's goal.

And after so much persistence, in the 86th minute came the Spanish goal. Alexia Putellas was waiting for the ball, waiting for Alba Redondo to pass the ball to her and find a gap over the Azzurri goalkeeper. However, Italy quickly recovered and equalised three minutes later when Beccari headed home from a corner.