After the emphatic 7-2 win against Austria, Sarina Wiegman’s England side faced a rejuvenated Italy side in a friendly to see out the end of their warm weather camp. Whilst England renewed Wiegman’s contract since finishing second in the World Cup, Italy have seen in a new manager in Andrea Soncin and did what England couldn’t do and beat Spain.

Wiegman named an XI with 4 changes since Friday, with a first start for Lotte WUbben-Moy since June 2022.  Grace Clinton kept her place in midfield after an excellent debut on Friday, still with Georgia Stanway but also joined this time by captain Keira Walsh. Soncin made 6 changes since the draw with the Republic of Ireland on Friday, including a change in between the sticks from Katja Schroffenegger to Laura Giuliani.

ENG: Earps; Bronze, Charles, Greenwood, Wubben-Moy, Walsh, Stanway, Clinton, Hemp, Russo, Kelly

ITA: Giuliani; Linari, Lenzini, Guglielmo, Bergamaschi, Caruso, Galli, Catena, Boattin, Cantore, Cambiaghi

England were quick off the mark and making the most of their chances. In the first minute, Lotte Wubben-Moy converted a corner into the back of the net. The in swinging corner was headed in with ease from the centre-back, marking the Gunner’s first goal for her country and a beautiful finish to set her off the mark.

The second and third goals came from Lauren Hemp. A scrambled toe in from Hemp saw the score line doubled. It was scrappy and not aesthetic, but it was enough to find the Lionesses their widened advantage in Spain.

The Manchester City winger then converted the rebound of a corner, sending Giuliani’s net rippling for her second of the evening. It was a perfect pass back in from Georgia Stanway to find Hemp down the centre, with the winger making no mistake to finish it off with a headed strike. It was a repeat of Italy’s looming record of defensive errors when defending set pieces, with England keen to capitalise on any mistake.

Whilst England had strong attacking moments, they were met with a strong Italian defence. With strong link up play and connections between the England front line, the Italian backline strengthened and provided answers to keep the pressing English out. On the flip side, England displayed positive movement down the wings, with full-backs and attacking wingers combining nicely to prove a real threat for the Italians in the wide area.

Whilst Italy had their moments in attack, they would find their breakthrough in the closing moments of the opening half, with a well worked Italy goal. The Italian front line combined well through the final third to split the England defence, before Michela Cambiaghi tapped the ball in with ease.

At the break, Sarina Wiegman opted to make two changes to her Lionesses side. The Chelsea duo of Lauren James and Jess Carter found minutes, as Alessia Russo and Niamh Charles made way. The Italians would wait until the 51^st minute to provide alterations, with Michela Catena and Valentina Bergamaschi making way for Cecilia Salvai and Agnese Bonfantini.  

The changes made in the second half saw Italy press higher and go at the England backline with a greater intensity. With some good chances from corners, Italy looked the most likely to get the next goal. For the Lionesss however, the backline looked like an entirely new outfit. Whilst this is the truth, it worked well in places and was dysfunctional in others. However in the second half it strengthened further, with Wubben-Moy defending incredibly well.

Since her introduction, Lauren James was found causing problems for the Italian defence. Her ability to dribble and push into space allowed for her to get long range shot off on target, but it was well saved by Giuliani.

The 63th minute saw the exit of Stanway and Clinton for the introduction for Jess Park and Ella Toone. Just 5 minutes later, Toone converted an excellent one touch finish into the net, off the back of a perfect pass from James.

Italy responded with substitutes, as Aurora Galli and Sofia Cantore made way for Emma Severini and Annamaria Serturni. Likewise, Wiegman chose to replace Chloe Kelly with Rachel Daly.

The fifth of the evening for the Lionesses came from an Italian mistake. A pass to the goalkeeper was snuffed out easily by Rachel Daly who slotted the ball into an open net. Whilst the Italians attempted to divert Daly inside of the area, their best efforts were shown no reward as the Aston Villa striker slotted home the final score.

Sarina Wiegman’s final change of the evening saw Alex Greenwood make way for Millie Turner, in what would be the debut appearance in the senior England side for the Manchester United defender.

In the closing moments, it was England in the driving seat as they attempted to find the sixth. However, the Italian defence proved strong and resilient, as the final whistle blew at 1-5 to the Lionesses.

What seemed to be the difference on the occasion was the conviction in conversion. Whilst Italy had chances, their inability to punish a sometimes unsettled England backline showed a lack of clinical edge. On the other hand, England made the most of their chances, which was clearly reflected in the score line. Wiegman rotated heavily again and allowed for the skills of new players to be shown, and it paid off.