Italy secure third place in Arnold Clark Cup after…

Italy secure third place in Arnold Clark Cup after late winner against Korea Republic

Martini Rosucci's injury time goal fired Italy into a dramatic win over Korea Republic to see Italy end their Arnold Clark Cup campaign on a raucous note.

Ji So-yun’s composed late finish cancelled out Arianna Caruso’s early header, but a franticc final 20 minutes was decided with mere seconds remaining as substitute Barbara Bonansea's low cross was poked home by Rosucci to break Korea Republic hearts.

An initial vibrant start from Korea Republic’s press saw Italy show signs of fluster. But Milena Bertolini’s side quickly deflated whatever Korean momentum was building as Annamaria Serturini forayed down the left touchline and picked out Arianna Caruso on the back post, with the midfielder’s header sending Kim Jungmi flapping at hot air after five minutes.

Italy settled nicely afterwards, their characteristic fluid play growing in confidence as the game wore on. Caruso and Serturini continued to stir trouble down Korea Republic’s left flank while Manuela Giugliano dictated the midfield from deep, though a lack of cutting edge frustratingly forced Italy into the interval with just a goal to show for their seven shots on goal.

Korea Republic gave a competitive account of themselves, offering intermittent reminders of the threat levied on the break, but poor final balls and a robust Italian backline, spearheaded by veteran Elena Linari, left an untroubled Rachele Baldi with just one shot to deal with in the first half as she snatched high to smother Kang Chaerim’s free-kick just after half an hour.

The second half unfolded similarly, with Italy almost vengeful in their start after being held to only a goal in the first half. Sofia Cantore let Valentina Giacinti’s early low cross run across the penalty spot and into the path of an onrushing Caruso whose shot was headed off the line by captain Kim Hyeri.

And another second half of fizzing passes and slick combinations failed to find a decisive boot or head, and Italy were left to rue their misses as a momentary gaffe playing out from the back saw Hwayeon Son get the better of Marialuisa Filangeri just outside the area and the former Chelsea star So-yun made no mistake nestling a composed finish into the far corner beyond a flailing Baldi.

The goal teed up a thrilling final 20 minutes, with Korea Republic continuing to threaten on the counter as Italy's early composure began to splinter in their attempts to redress their missed chances. Bonansea’s long-range effort sailed benignly over the crossbar while later on Cantore’s tame effort was comfortably collected by Jungmi.

It was a dominant Italian side who looked destined to be left feeling bereft at the final whistle until Bonansea's cross from the left skid across the penalty area and Rosucci comfortably tapped home before wheeling away in ecstatic celebration.
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