This was a closed game by the FFA, yet heavy advertising in the local media meant that the game would be open to all, and that included the initially banned media. As it was a training game, interchange occured. Queensland and Young Matilda's goalkeeper Casey Dumont was going to start the game, but had to pull out at the last moment ill. The conditions were warm (about 31C), but not stifling and during the first half light rain fell, the second being played with the backdrop of a cooling easterly.
Neither team dominated and the few extras brought in by Tom Sermanni did struggle to get into the game. Claire Polkinghorne took the captain's armband, and considering her efforts on the night, she did it proud. Certainly the best for the Austrlaian select team. The question is can she get better. Both teams had one serious chance in the opening stanza, Australia with a header at the keeper and for Italy after Alessi Tuttino's shot rebounded off the bar, Lydia Williams was happy to get back in position to snuffle out Ilaria Mauro shot, when the attacker should have put her side one up.
The only goal came midway through the second period, a header at the near post from Marta Carissimi. Australia generated a number of chances, continuously placing the ball into the penalty box, but they were unable to convert. When Sarah Walsh came on near the end, the attack did improve and it will be good when Walsh is at full fitness.
Looking at what happened in this match, I really would not be surprised if Sermanni kept the same team from last Saturday, with the one change for Salisbury. Danielle Brogan started in Salisbury's position, but came off late in the first half with an injury. This may be one concern for Sermanni. Saturday's game will also be the swan-song for Joanne Peters, who has notched up over 100 appearances for the Matildas. Let's just hope that the weather will not be too hot.
The Italians were a lot more physical in this match and their newer players fitted in without altering the flow of their game. The highlight for the spectators was the continuous shouting and complaining by the Italian coach, Pietro Ghedin.