The Spanish women’s team, reigning world champion, was surprised by Italy, victorious 3 to 2 during the 5th day of the League of Nations on Friday in Pontevedra, a defeat without consequence since it qualifies for the semi-finals. The Spaniards, who remained on four successes in as many matches, climbed into the last four due to the no less surprising defeat of Sweden in Switzerland (1-0) a little earlier.
Without Alexia Putellas, double winner of the Ballon d’Or (2021, 2022), the girls of Montsé Tomé opened the scoring with Athenea (12th). But they let go after returning from the locker room, allowing the Italians to score three goals in 18 minutes (Giacinti, 46th, Cambiaghi, 57th and Linari, 64th). Ester Gonzalez reduced the score with a quarter to go. The Spanish, who will play the last match against Sweden on Tuesday, are playing their first qualification for the Olympic Games through this Nations League.
