Italy and Iceland draw leaves knockout qualification up in the air

Italy comeback to draw 1-1 against Iceland, keeping their hopes of qualification for the knockouts alive at the Academy Stadium.

Iceland took another shock lead through Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir, who capitalised on the chaos caused by Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir’s long throw-in, slicing her shot into the top corner.

Martina Piemonte missed a big chance for Italy to respond when she ran into the box unimpeded, but the AC Milan midfielder could not direct the cross goalward.

As the game opened up, Alexandra Johannesdottir had an opportunity to score a second for Iceland when the ball fell to her feet four yards from goal but hit her shot wide.

Noticing her team’s precarious position in the match, Italy manager Milena Bertolini brought on Barbara Bonansea, Cristiana Girelli and Elisa Bartoli early in the second half.

Then, Italy’s dogged desire to score finally paid off in the 61^st minute when Bonansea’s cutback found the run of Valentina Bergamaschi, who placed the equaliser into the bottom corner.

Fuelled by their goal, Italy attacked Iceland’s defence for a second. They came close twice, with Bonansea hitting the post and Elisa Bartoli dragging her shot wide.

But in the end, it was Iceland who had the biggest chance to win when Vilhjálmsdóttir was unmarked with the ball in the box, but she mis-kicked her shot and was left head in hands.

At full-time, Iceland’s disappointment was noticeable given that is twice now that they have given up an early lead. They remain second in the group for the time being, but face the formidable French in the last set of matches.

Meanwhile, Italy have kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, but the Azzurri will need results to go their way for a chance to advance.

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