10 June 2019
It was a dream debut for Barbara Bonansea and the rest of her Italy teammates, as they claimed a last-minute 2-1 victory over Australia in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was a victory that didn’t come easily, but the triumph had the black and white colours of Juventus written all over it.
A total of six Bianconere started in Milena Bertolini’s side, with Giuliani keeping goal, Gama at the heart of defence, Cernoia and Galli marshalling the midfield, while Girelli and Bonansea led the attack.
After Bonansea’s goal in the opening minutes of the game was ruled out, Kerr opened the scoring for Australia by tapping in on the rebound despite Giuliani saving the penalty, meaning Italy had to make a comeback in the second half.
The Bianconere striker pulled a goal back in the 56th minute, as the Azzurri continued to fight their way back in the game. Fight they did, as the match-winner was struck by Bonansea in the 95th minute, with Cernoia having delivered and created the assist.
The physical yet exciting game saw the Azzurre collect all three points in their opening game, and it was a triumph that was heavily influenced by the Juventus Women.
