France rejected suggestions of locker room restlessness to crush Italy 5-1 and launch their campaign at Euro 2022 in style on Sunday.
Grace Geyoro scored a hat-trick in the first half as the Blues advanced 5-0 at the break to Rotherham with Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino also in goal.
This move had been questioned as further proof of Deacon’s inability to handle great characters following criticism for his handling of the 2019 World Cup at home.
“We wanted to start really well and show what we’re made of since our first game,” Diacre said.
The rise of Juventus as a force in the Champions League and the forthcoming professionalization of the women’s Serie A had made Italy come to England with high hopes.
Geyoro opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Italy captain Sara Game did not deflect and the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder dragged a loose ball into the area.
“We separated by the seams,” Bertolini said.
Katoto hit the post and Cascarino failed to connect with the open goal on the back post, as opportunities continued to flow for France.
Katoto then acted as supplier by choosing Geyoro’s perfectly timed run and kept her head cool to round Giuliani and enter the empty door.
– Italy restores pride –
Although they have been taught a lesson, the Azzurri are also expected to advance to the round of 16 with Belgium and Iceland to enter Group D.
“We’ll come back with the attitude the girls have shown in the second half. It’s not easy when you go 5-0 up, we’re in danger of it being a big debacle.”
Iceland regretted a missed penalty in the first half when Nicky Evrard stopped a shot from Berglind Thorvaldsdottir.
However, Belgium took advantage of the situation when they received a penalty in the 23rd minute when Justine Vanhaevermaet easily converted.
kca / iwd
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