Substitute Cristiana Girelli's 87th-minute header has given Italy a 1-0 win over Argentina in their Women's World Cup opener at Auckland's Eden Park, denying the South Americans a first win at the global soccer showpiece.
Veteran striker Girelli, 33, replaced midfielder Giulia Dragoni, 16, in the 83rd minute and needed only four minutes to make an impact, beating goalkeeper Vanina Correa with a fine header to seal a hard-fought victory.
Italy's Ariana Caruso and Valentina Giacinti both had goals ruled offside in a competitive first half, after Argentina nearly made a sensational start to the game, when Mariana Larroquette's bicycle kick went narrowly wide in the second minute.
After a slow start to the second half, Italy settled into their rhythm and looked more likely to score. Manuela Giuliano's free-kick drifted over the crossbar,before Giadda Greggi drew a smart stop from Correa in the 82nd minute.
Goalkeeper Francesca Durante pushed away Argentine midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo's attempt from a free-kick in stoppage time, ensuring a winning start in the tournament for the 2019 quarter-finalists.
Italy coach Milena Bertolini was vindicated, after putting her faith in Dragoni, as the teenager impressed on her debut, before making way for Girelli, the oldest member of Italy's squad, who scored her 54th international goal on her 104th appearance.
Argentina caused plenty of problems for Durante, but could not manage a shot on target, until Bonsegundo's free-kick in the 94th minute.
Italy play Sweden at Wellington on Saturday. The two teams are level on points, but Sweden hold a slender advantage in Group G, topping the group on number of goals scored thanks to their 2-1 win over South Africa.
Still searching for a first World Cup victory after 10 matches across four tournaments, Argentina next face South Africa on Friday in Dunedin.
Reuters
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