International: Bartoli stars as Italy march on

Bartoli played 90 minutes yet again as the Azzurre powered to a 2-0 victory over China, and had a decisive role in creating the opening goal for AC Milan's Valentina Giacinti.

Substitute Aurora Galli then wrapped up the game in the second half.

Bartoli impressed with her all-round performance, making a number of key defensive interventions to help preserve Italy's clean sheet.

After the game Bartoli spoke to Sky Sport Italia - who had Roma Women coach Betty Bavagnoli in studio.

"I'm someone who tries to do something with everything I've got," Bartoli said, when asked about her display.

"I put my heart into it, like all the girls, and that's why we've made Italians fall in love with us. I have a Roman heart."

She added: "We have a bit more belief and understanding in ourselves, our ability. We are improving physically, technically and tactically... we're improving and the rest of the world is taking notice."

Milena Bertolini's side will now face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Saturday.