Early Italian goal enough to defeat Wales Women | OneFootball

Hayley Ladd of Wales battles for possession with Cristiana Girelli of Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Wales lost their UEFA Women’s Nations League group opener 1-0 away to Italy in Monza despite rallying after a disappointing start.

Wales had a difficult start, going behind to a third corner in only the fifth minute, as Barbara Bonansea headed home.

Olivia Clark made a double save and Cristiana Girelli headed onto the crossbar, then with Rhian Wilkinson’s side getting a foothold in the game Angharad James clipped the post from 20 yards.

Bonansea looked on for her second goal until Hayley Ladd put in a challenge in her 100th cap.

Clark did well to tip over Martina Piemonte’s header, Italy somehow missed a couple of opportunities right in front of goal as the hosts finished strongly, Michela Cambiaghi then also denied by Clark.

Wales next host Sweden on Tuesday 25 February at Wrexham, click here for tickets.

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