Italy, pride not enough: Belgium wins, Azzurre out of European Championships

Azure eliminated

The adventure at the Women’s European Championships of the Italian national team coached by Milena Bertolini ends with a 1-0 defeat against Belgium. A result that leaves the Azzurre in last place in Group D, with one point won in three games in the group dominated by France and which sees Belgium qualify for the quarterfinals in the company of the transalpine women.

Deciding the challenge played in Manchester was the goal scored by Tinne De Caigny in the opening half: a goal that came after an articulate action in the penalty area, and concretized by the striker in force at Hoffenheim.

The Azzurre were not enough to react with pride, also because there was bad luck when, in the 52nd minute, Girelli hit the crossbar with the ball falling back on this side of the line. Other interesting chances happened at the feet of Bonansea and Giacinti, but the goal defended by Evrard remained inviolate and it was indeed Belgium itself, in the final, that came close to doubling the score (Wullaert’s post).

At the triple whistle the Azzurri disappointment is great: the women’s national team returns home without even one success in three matches played.