Read the full match report of the FIFA Women’s European Qualifiers play-offs as Belarus hold Italy Women to a 1-1 draw after goals from Bonansea and Alkhovik in Florence.
Italy Women held to a draw by resilient Belarus in Florence
Italy Women experienced a frustrating evening at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, being held to a resilient 1-1 draw by Belarus in the second leg of the FIFA Women’s European Qualifiers play-offs. Despite dominating large periods of the game and taking an early lead through veteran forward Barbara Bonansea, the Azzurre failed to kill off the contest. Belarus capitalised on missed chances, striking late in the second half through Valeryia Alkhovik to earn a hard-fought draw.
Bonansea strikes early to give Italy the lead
The hosts started with high intensity, eager to stamp their authority on the match in front of their home supporters. Their early pressure paid off in the 9th minute when Barbara Bonansea found space inside the penalty area and clinically slotted home to put Italy ahead.
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Buoyed by the opener, Italy continued to press forward, creating several scoring opportunities to extend their advantage. However, poor finishing and resolute defending from Belarus kept the scoreline close. The visitors managed to absorb the sustained waves of Italian attacks, heading into the halftime interval trailing by just a single goal while keeping their hopes alive.
Alkhovik stuns hosts with a late equalizer
As the second half progressed, Italy dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge required to secure a second goal. The missed chances came back to haunt them in the 75th minute. Belarus launched a rare, well-coordinated counter-attack, and Valeryia Alkhovik found herself in a position to capitalise, firing past the goalkeeper to stun the home crowd and level the score at 1-1.
Despite late pressure from the Azzurre in search of a winner, Belarus defended stoutly until the final whistle, sealing a memorable draw in Florence.