International: Italy win thanks to Roma stars

Angelica Soffia scored her first and second international goals to twice give the Azzurre the advantage, only for the hosts to roar back and make the scoreline 2-2 with around 15 minutes remaining.

But Elena Linari stepped up – after club teammate Agnese Bonfantini had been fouled – to convert the crucial late penalty that decided the game.

Both Soffia’s goals were also assisted by Giallorosse players (Annamaria Serturini and Manuela Giugliano) to lend the proceedings a firmly Roma feel.

"The game went how I expected," said Milena Bertolini, the Italy coach.

"It was hard work, a battle, aggressive. There was no timidness from us at the start, even though you might have expected that from such a young side.

"I'm pleased because the girls were brave, they never gave up - when we conceded the goals we found a way to respond. So overall it was a great test for us with a lot of positives to take."