Australia v Italy report by FFA

Australia 3 - Italy 0


The Matildas have bounced back to win its second game at the Peace Cup, a 3-0 result over Italy being played in Suwon, South Korea.

Two goals in two minutes from Heather Garriock midway through the second half and a goal just before the end from Amy Chapman, secured the win and sets up a titanic final clash with World Cup finalists Brazil.

With scores locked 0-0 at the break, the Matildas grabbed the initiative in the 66th minute, when Garriock scored from close range, after a cross in from Kyah Simon.

From the re-start, Australia gained possession; moved upfield and Garriock was again on the spot to tap inside the far post, after Katie Gill had mis-kicked her attempt at goal.

Chapman added the third, capitalizing on the good work by Amber Neilson and Caitlin Munoz and Karla Reuter.

With coach Tom Sermanni making numerous changes for this match, the Matildas struggled for cohesion early.

However it was Kate Gill with the best chance early on, her 17th minute header, after a good run and cross by Lisa De Vanna, was blocked by the keeper.

The Matildas though can thank goalkeeper Lydia Williams for keeping the scores level at the break with two crucial saves.

In the 26th minute, Italy were through with Williams parrying the initial shot and the rebound was cleared off the line by Reuter. The with just minutes to go before the break, Williams again parried away a one-on-one chance to deny the Italians and opening goal.

The Italians continued to apply the pressure early in the second half, with Williams again to the rescue on the hour mark, turning a shot around the post.

But from then on it was all Australia, with Garriock's quick double knocking the stuffing out of the Italians.

Tom Sermanni was obviously delighted with the win after a scratchy start, saying, "We were a little bit awry in first half, as we changed personnel and that affected us a bit. We lacked some cohesion; were fortunate to be 0-0 at the break and Lydia made a couple of great saves to keep us 0-0 at half time.

"We predicted that we would finish physically stronger and that's what happened; as the second half went on we looked most likely to win the match. Our first goal was very important, but then to be followed up so quickly by the second knocked the Italians down a bit."


written by Football Federation Australia