The 2024 season for the Italia Femminile ends in the best possible way with a prestigious victory at the home of a Germany team that wastes a lot up front and gives the Italians two goals. In Bochum it ends 2-1 with goals from Bonfantini, in the first half, and Cantore, in the second half, interspersed with a temporary equalizer from Rauch.
After a difficult start, the Italians soon took measures against Germany and at the first opportunity they exploit an error in disengagement by Linder, who centralizes the ball at his feet in search of a teammate to serve, thanks to the pressing of Cambiaghi who steals the ball and then serves the insertion of Bonfantini who is face to face with the German goalkeeper he has the right coolness to unblock the match. In the 20th minute, Italy was also close to doubling their lead with Cambiaghi who saw his shot from the center of the area blocked off the line, but the Germans’ response was instead all in a poisonous cross from Endemann which Bergamaschi sent away almost on the line with Giuliani who had been overtaken . Germany pushes at the end, but without great effectiveness, with the Italian defense holding up until the break.
Even in the second half, Germany started better, chasing at least the equalizer, with a great opportunity immediately for Buhl who, however, was hypnotized by Giuliani who blocked his close-range shot. The equalizer is in the air and arrives in the 50th minute when the left-footed winger Rauch fits perfectly into the area on the cross of the usual Endemann and with her head, guiltily left alone by the Italian defence, beats a less than perfect Giuliani. The Germans grow in confidence and take advantage of an Italy that feels the pinch, coming close to scoring on several occasions with Hoffmann, Buhl – who also attempts an Olympic goal by hitting the post – and Endemann.
Only in the 70th minute did Italy become dangerous again in the opponent’s area with Cambiaghi’s shot which was muffled by the defense and then became easy prey for the German number one. Five minutes later, however, another defensive error by the Germans gave us the new lead with Cantore clever and clever in taking advantage of an excess of confidence from Mahmutovic, who tried to dribble past Bonansea inside the area, and sealed the 2-1. The German response takes the form of another post from the Germans with Schuller who misses the aim from an excellent position. The ending is almost a German siege with the Italians who, however, demonstrate on the restart that they can still do badly.