An evening that began with a superb goal from Martina Piemonte, included a missed penalty from Pernille Harder and ended with a bitter conclusion that complicates Italy’s push for top spot in their 2027 World Cup qualifying group. In Vicenza, before 5,278 fans at the Menti, Italy drew 1-1 with Denmark and were unable to bounce back from their opening defeat. A strong first half, marked by Piemonte’s header in the 19th minute, was followed by a drop in the second period and the equaliser from Josefine Hasbo Holdt, which allowed the Scandinavians to join Sweden on four points after the Swedes were held to 0-0 by Serbia.

The road to the World Cup, however, is still long. In April the Azzurre will travel first to Serbia and then to Denmark in search of a turning point. Nothing has been decided yet.

“Today’s approach was perfect,” Soncin said immediately after the match. “We were in control of the game and we demonstrated the ideas we had worked on during the training camp. They came back into the match in the middle part of the second half and at the end we were unable to find the moment to win it. I know the players were disappointed at full time, but I’m pleased because that means they believe they can do more. We are still in the race to qualify. We want to go to Brazil and we will keep working with confidence to achieve our dream.”

THE MATCH

The head coach made four changes compared to Tuesday’s match against Sweden. In defence Elena Di Gugliemo dropped out, with Cecilia Salvai joining Martina Lenzini (on her 50th appearance) and Elena Linari to recreate the back three that performed so well at the Women's Euros 2025. In midfield, with Barbara Bonansea and Elisabetta Oliviero operating on the flanks, Giada Greggi replaced Emma Severini alongside Arianna Caruso and Manuela Giugliano. Up front, Soncin opted for the new partnership of Giulia Dragoni and Piemonte.

For Denmark, the attacking threat centred around Amalie Vangsgaard of Juventus Women and star forward Harder, the undisputed leader of the Danish side.

The opening stages were cautious, with both teams probing carefully and avoiding exposure to dangerous counterattacks. Denmark attempted to take control of possession, but it was Italy who struck first. In the 19th minute Giugliano delivered a trademark precise corner and Piemonte, getting in front of her marker, guided a fine header into the net. The Lazio striker’s fourth international goal ended a scoring drought stretching back to the 2022 Euros.

The lead lifted Italy, who pushed into the Danish half searching for another opening, though without creating any further clear chances before the break.

At half-time, singer Sarah Toscano entertained the Menti crowd with some of her biggest hits, raising the stadium atmosphere. The noise levels surged again in the 49th minute when Harder missed the chance to equalise from the penalty spot, hitting the inside of the post after Linari had fouled the Bayern Munich forward.

Despite the miss, Denmark continued to press and found the equaliser in the 64th minute through substitute Holdt, who finished the Danish move with a precise strike.

Shortly afterwards Soncin reshaped his attack, replacing Piemonte and Dragoni with the tandem of Michela Cambiaghi and Cristiana Girelli. The change injected fresh energy into Italy’s closing push, full of determination, effort and a few promising chances, but the Danish defence held firm.

Italy must now win their next two away fixtures if they are to reignite their challenge for first place in Group 1 – the spot that guarantees direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup – when the campaign resumes in June. 

ITALY 1-1 DENMARK (HT 1–0)

Italy (3-5-2): Laura Giuliani; Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai, Elena Linari; Barbara Bonansea (59’ Valentina Bergamaschi); Arianna Caruso, Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, Elisabetta Oliviero; Giulia Dragoni (71’ Michela Cambiaghi), Martina Piemonte (71’ Cristiana Girelli).

Substitutes: Rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante, Elena Di Guglielmo, Chiara D’Auria, Sofia Soffia, Sara Schatzer, Emma Severini, Chiara Beccari, Benedetta Glionna.
Head coach: Andrea Soncin

Denmark (5-3-2): Maja Bay Østergaard Thisgaard; Frederikke Thøgersen, Stine Ballisager, Simone Boye Sørensen, Cecilie Sandbech, Emma Svava; Signe Bredgaard, Josefine Gejl (60’ Sara Holmgaard Holdt), Katrine Veje Kuhl; Amalie Vangsgaard (60’ Sofie Fløe), Pernille Harder.

Substitutes: Lene Østergaard, Nina Vingum, Mille Thrige, Sofie Faerge, Katrine Hasbo, Michelle Obaze, Sara Pedersen, Karen Holmgaard, Signe Møller, Ida Walter.
Head coach: Lars Søndergaard Michelsen

Referee: Désirée Blanco (Switzerland)
Assistants: Susanne Küng, Linda Schmid
Fourth official: Michele Schmoltzer

Goals: 19’ Piemonte (ITA), 64’ Holdt (DEN)
Attendance: 5,278
Bookings: Caruso (ITA), Bergamaschi (ITA), Linari (ITA)

Group 1 (League A): fixtures, results and standings

Matchday 1:
Denmark 3-1 Serbia
Italy 0-1 Sweden

Matchday 2:
Serbia 0-0 Sweden
Italy 1-1 Denmark

Matchday 3 – 14 April:
Serbia vs Italy
Sweden vs Denmark

Matchday 4 – 18 April:
Denmark vs Italy
Sweden vs Serbia

Matchday 5 – 5 June:
Denmark vs Sweden
Italy vs Serbia

Matchday 6 – 9 June:
Serbia vs Denmark
Sweden vs Italy

Standings:
Sweden 4 pts, Denmark 4 pts; Italy 1 pt, Serbia 1 pt.