Where is the Italian defensive? In what was supposedly the most exciting game in Group D at the Women’s EURO 2022 between France and Italy, this question came up several times in the first half. Playful French women had a correspondingly easy game, giving the “Squadra Azzurra” 5 goals.
Geyoro top, Gama flop
This was mainly ensured by PSG player and match winner Grace Geyoro with a hat trick in the 1st half. Within 36 minutes she scored goals number 1, 4 and 5 of the “Equipe Tricolore”:
- 9 minutes: Instead of freeing, Italy’s captain Sarah Gama only lets the ball drip. Geyoro has an easy game, she only has to push in from 8 meters.
- 40 minutes: Again Gama makes a lapse. While tying her shoelaces on defense, Geyoro is launched after a glorious ball relay and is successful solo. Gama’s presence could have prevented the goal.
- 45 minutes: From around 11 meters away, the French takes a low volley from a cross and loads Italy’s goalkeeper Laura Giuliani again. It’s already 5-0 at the break.
The Italians actually started the game with a lot of energy: Barbara Bonansea had a top chance in the 4th minute, but France’s goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin knew how to defuse her shot with a foot.
Controversial: “turn yellow into red”
Even though the Italians took control of the game in the second half and scored a consolation goal through Martina Piemonte (76′), Gama was again the center of attention. In the 66th minute she rudely brought down Geyoro and saw a red card for it.
Instead of going into the catacombs, Gama continued to play – the VAR had called, referee Rebecca Welch reversed her decision and finally warned Gama. The decision is extremely controversial, as the VAR should only intervene in the event of clearly wrong decisions.
Here’s how to proceed
Group leader France meets Belgium in the second game of Pool D on Thursday (9 p.m.), Italy are already in action against Iceland at 6 p.m. and are already under pressure. With SRF, you can enjoy the full service as usual on TV and online.