Italy vs. Argentina highlights: Cristiana Girelli's late goal lifts Italy
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup rolled on Sunday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports app) as a Group G matchup between Italy and Argentina took place at Eden Park in New Zealand.
Italy, which checked in at 14th on our latest World Cup power rankings, was led offensively by Cristiana Girelli, whose late header was the deciding factor after two earlier goals were taken away due to offside penalties.
Check out the highlights below!
Italy vs. Argentina Highlights
87': On the board!
Italy broke through with minutes to play, as Girelli lifted her country with a wondrous leaping header. The ball was perfectly placed just over the goalie's outstretched hand, putting Italy up, 1-0.
Italy's Cristiana Girelli scores a goal vs. Argentina
82': Correa again!
Vanina Correa couldn't be fazed in goal for Argentina, and she came up with another big save.
73': So close!
Another free kick, another near miss. This time it was Argentina who gave its opponent a significant scare in the box, but Italy's defense was able to avoid trouble.
69': Over the crossbar
Italy has been close on a number of opportunities in this game. This free kick shot from Manuela Giugliano was another example of an attempt that barely missed its mark.
52': Tensions flaring
The game has been physical throughout, and both sides were seen exchanging words (and some shoves) as the second half got underway.
49': Just missed it
Argentina nearly took a 1-0 lead on a nicely designed play off a free kick, but its shot attempt barely missed its mark.
42': Offside again!
Things were clicking seamlessly for Italy in the first half, as the team put away another crafty goal before the halftime buzzer. But a familiar problem plagued the squad yet again: Offside, and La Azzurre went into the break without a goal to their name.
32': Getting testy
The spirited play has led to a few choice words from the opposing sides in this first half.
15': It won't count!
Arianna Caruso put away a clean strike to give Italy the lead in the 15th minute– or so she thought. The goal was quickly wiped away after the referee called an offside penalty.
12': Carded
Aggressiveness was the name of the game early, but Argentina's Mariana Larroquette got a bit too overzealous on this exchange, receiving a yellow card for the foul.
10': That won't cut it
Both teams put together decent runs in the opening minutes, but neither was able to come away with a point. Argentina goalie Correa was having none of this shot attempt from Italy, which she thwarted with ease.
1': On the attack
Argentina wasted little time getting into its offense, creating its first opportunity just a minute into the game. However, its bicycle kick attempt on goal missed the mark wide right.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The "World Cup NOW" crew previewed the match on Twitter Live, taking fans through everything they needed to know ahead of kickoff.
Money moves
This match has the potential to be a defensive battle, per FOX Sports wagering expert Chris "The Bear" Fallica, considering Italy hasn’t had more than three goals in its last 10 matches, while Argentina has kept a clean sheet in five of its last six.
Check out the full Women's World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
