France 5-1 Italy: Women’s European Championship, Group D, Match 1 – 10/7/22
Following France’s complete domination in the first half, in which they broke the record for the number of goals scored in the first half of a women’s euros, Les Bleues took their foot off the gas in the second half, allowing Italy a consolation goal late on. This was ultimately a great success for Diacre’s women, sending a message to the rest of the nations competing in the tournament, with her front three looking consistently dangerous, and PSG’s Grace Geyoro running the show.
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, 6 – Kept her team in the game early in the first half before any goals when the game was especially open, stopping Bonansea in a crucial 1-on-1. Otherwise strong presence in the rare occasions she was called upon.
Ève Périsset, 6 – The French right-back was vital to her side’s dominance, breaking up Italian play and getting forward to link up well with the strikers, particularly Kadidiatou Diani down her right-hand side.
Wendie Renard, 7 – Dominant in the centre of defence as expected but it was her vision that stood out in this game. Throughout the first half, her long diagonal balls to Delphine Cascarino dissected the Italian defence, with her first leading to France’s second goal.
Aïssatou Tounkara, 5 –
Sakina Karchaoui, 5 – Generally worked well in her defensive role but also with winger Delphine Cascarino, providing her with the assist for her first-half goal. Dangerously hesitated on the ball in her own half at times and failed to beat Piemonte to the cross for Italy’s consolation goal.
Sandie Toletti, 5 – A generally quiet game but provided a crucial tackle later in the second half to take the ball from the feet of Linari who would have surely scored otherwise.
Charlotte Bilbaut, 5
Grace Geyoro, 10 – Her record-breaking, first-half hat-trick was proof of her ability, calmness and finishing, having supplied a variety of goals, including a close-range tap-in, a 1-on-1 and a precise volley. This was backed up by her impressive defensive performance, winning the ball strongly on multiple occasions.
Kadidiatou Diani, 9 – Arguably the most dangerous and impressive player on the pitch this evening, showcasing her tight control, ability to beat defenders and delivery of wicked crosses into the box.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto, 7 – A decent performance in the heart of the French attack, preying on the Italian disorganisation throughout the first half.
Delphine Cascarino, 8 – Continuously positive in her role down the left wing, looking to take on defenders without refrain. Her accurate crosses into the box caused problems throughout the game for Italy, while her 20-yard rocket was perhaps the goal of the game.
Others: Dali 5, Malard 5, Sarr 5, Bacha 6, Baltimore 5
