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The Women’s U23 National Team began their season with an impressive win, coming from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 in Tubize thanks to second-half goals from Cecilia Cavallin and Martina Zanoli. On the pitch at the Belgian federal training centre, the hosts took the lead midway through the first half through Helsen, but Italy kept their composure and secured a deserved victory in the second 45 minutes ahead of Monday’s match against France at Coverciano.
‘The first half was evenly balanced, although we lost our shape a little,’ said head coach Tatiana Zorri. ‘The girls’ reaction, though, was fantastic. They showed great character on a difficult pitch against a strong opponent. I’m pleased; we’re on the right track, but we know this is only the first step and that we must keep working.’
THE MATCH. Italy lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Melissa Bellucci pulling the strings in midfield, Pavan and Pfattner as the two advanced midfielders, and a front three of Renzotti, Corelli and Cavallin. Both sides played on the front foot, but Belgium created the best chances in the first half. Bartalini did well to keep out Lezeure’s header and then beat Prez to the ball with a low intervention, but she could do nothing in the 21st minute when Helsen converted from close range. Alice Corelli led Italy’s response, first finding only the side netting before forcing Pues into a save at the second attempt. Early in the second half, Cecilia Cavallin levelled the score with the finish to a fine team move. Substitute De Meester then missed the chance to restore Belgium’s lead on the counterattack. Martina Zanoli made the most of a Zannini cross, heading home to seal the 2-1 win.
Italy will be back in action on Monday 12 October (14:30 CEST, live on Vivo Azzurro TV), when they face France in another stern test at the Federal Technical Centre in Coverciano. Tomorrow afternoon, meanwhile, the players and staff will gather in front of the TV to cheer on the Women’s National Team, led by Andrea Soncin, as they face Belarus at 18:15 CEST in Tbilisi on neutral ground in the first leg of the first round of the World Cup play-offs. ‘We’re a family, an extended group,’ Zorri said. ‘We’ll all be cheering Italy on together from Coverciano and doing everything we can to help them win.’
