Italy proved too strong for New Zealand at Women’s Algarve Cup

New Zealand reached the semifinals of the traditional Algarve Cup in Portugal but could not resist to a strong Italian side to reach the grand final. After beating Belgium in penalty shooutout, the Ferns took on Italy and some mistakes prevented them to proceed to the 1st spot contest match.

Cristinia Girelli opened the scoreline in favour of the European side at the 20th minute of the match. New Zealand had a golden chance after a handall in the area – Rosie White was chosen to the take the penalty but the ball was saved by the Italian goalkeeper.

In the second half the Italians added two another goals to confirm their spot in the final of Algarve Cup through the likes of Barbara Bonansea and Stefania Tarenzi.

New Zealand’s head coach Tom Sermani decided to give chances into the starting team to young new players in the call-up, as the talented 18-year-old goalkeeper Anna Leat.

New Zealand will now have the 3rd spot place to contest against Norway – that suffered a harsh defeat against Germany in the other semifinal in the competition. Both winning sides will met for the golden medal of Algarve Cup while New Zealand will hope to grab a respectful bronze-medal among strong European sides in the tournament.