Norway sunk by Bonetti stunner

A wonderful last-minute goal from Tatiana Bonetti earned Italy a dramatic win against Norway in their opening UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship Group A match in Romorantin.

Delightful goal
Making their first appearance in the finals for four years, Corrado Corradini's team gave a good account of themselves against a much-fancied Norway side, soaking up some intense second-half pressure before striking the winner on 90 minutes. Bonetti had only been on the pitch for 20 minutes when she collected possession on the left, cut inside and unleashed a superb curling shot into the top corner of the net.

Timely interception
Norway had defeated Italy 2-1 in qualifying and immediately looked to gain the upper hand. Ingvild Landvik Isaksen was in lively mood on the right, crossing dangerously for Hege Hansen only for Francesca Sampietro to make a well-timed interception. With the skilful Cristina Bonometti proving a handful for the Norway defence, the Azzurrine steadily improved and began posing a threat on the counterattack. After Alice Parisi's curling free-kick had been saved by Ingrid Thorbjørnsen, Bonometti tried her luck from long range but failed to make a good connection.

Bonometti foiled
Parisi was then presented with a golden chance, picking up possession following a strong tackle by Silvia Pisano only to shoot straight at Thorbjørnsen. Although Ida Elise Enget came close to latching on to Ree Astrid Grøtta's astute through-pass, Italy were on top and carved the clearest chance of the half ten minutes before half-time. The influential Elisa Bartoli flicked a pass through for Bonometti but she was foiled by the onrushing Thorbjørnsen. Norway seemed intent on pinning their opponents back at the start of the second period, playing a series of long passes towards Isaksen, Hansen and Enget, but Italy's commanding goalkeeper Sara Penzo made a number of important interventions. As the Italians showed signs of tiredness, Norway seized control in the final 20 minutes and created a string of opportunities.

Off the line
Gunhild Herregarden's corner was headed goalwards by Isaksen only for Penzo to show fine reflexes in clawing the ball away before June Tarnes' shot was blocked. Ingrid More Wold then curled just wide but Penzo was called into action again seconds later, pushing Enget's low header past the post after great work from Isaksen on the right. With captain Sara Gama in imperious form at the back, Italy stemmed the tide and then had the final say as Bonetti struck the decisive blow seconds before the end.