Australia
Lydia Williams
Strong first half but looked increasingly rattled as the pressure from Italy grew, punctuated by an ill-judged sortie off her goal line that resulted in Italy’s winner. 5
Ellie Carpenter
Finished both halves with vigour, combining well down the right with Portland Thorns team mate Hayley Raso in the first, and Kerr in the second. 8
Clare Polkinghorne
Honest game, but her heavy touch from a pass from Kennedy led to Bonansea’s first goal. 4
Alanna Kennedy
Mixed game at the back, and unable to convert a header from a well placed set play in the second half. Communication with Williams needs to improve. 5
Steph Catley
Classy, constant overlaps up the left flank, and consistent precision passes. 7
Emily van Egmond
Started nervously with a series of rushed passes, but showed discipline to pivot back to Williams regularly and stretch the Italian attack. 5
Hayley Raso
Was slow to start, but turned up the heat through her energetic injection later in the first half. 7
Caitlin Foord
Solid without setting the game alight. Combined well with Carpenter at times. 7
Tameka Yallop
Worked hard off the ball but her creatively was stifled through a series of heavy challenges by the Italians. 5
Chloe Logarzo
Spirited outing, combining well down the left with Catley to feed the forward line, and was on the end of a few well-weighted crosses but wasn’t able to find the back of the net. 6
Sam Kerr (captain)
Nervous start, complete with a missed penalty, but joyously converted the rebound for her first World Cup goal. Threatened in behind Italy’s back line at times but generally kept quiet by heavy pressure. 6
Subs: Lisa De Vanna (for Logarzo 61) 6; Katrina Gorry (for Raso 69) 5; Elise Kellond-Knight (for Yallop 83) 5
Italy
Laura Giuliani
Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet after saving Kerr’s penalty and a strong header from Logarzo. 6
Valentina Bergamaschi
Did well to stymie Australian attacks down the Italian right. 6
Sara Gama (captain)
Spent a lot of time marking Kerr and cleaning up waves of Australian attack. Gave away the penalty but made some critical saves including blocking Foord’s shot late in the first half. 6
Elena Linari
Largely kept calm under the pressure of Australia’s attacking raids. 5
Alia Guagni
One of Italy’s best, playing across the park, and while she sprayed a shot wide early, kept Italy in the game. 7
Manuela Giugliano
Directed things well from the back and put some good through balls through to the midfield. Provided good cover on Foord and kept Yallop quiet. 6
Valentina Cernoia
Always ready with a quick counter. Had the most touches for Italy in the first half and created a lot of their chances. 7
Barbara Bonansea
Super quick player, always creating find space. Scored the goal that was controversially ruled offside, but always looked the player who looked most likely to win the game. 8
Aurora Galli
Played a physical game but couldn’t match the Australians, especially Carpenter, for speed. 5
Cristiana Girelli
A workhorse who put constant pressure on Australia. Became frustrated at the backend but managed to rattle Australia. 6
Ilaria Mauro
Dangerous when she had the ball and had one of Italy’s best chances in the first half. Deceptive pace and a constant menace to Australia’s backline. 7
Subs: Elisa Bartoli (for Galli 45) 5 Daniela Sabatino (for Mauro 58) Valentina Giacinti (for Bergamaschi 77) 6
