**Wales Women Handed Tough Defeat by Italy in Final Euros Warm-Up**
Wales Women endured a difficult evening in Swansea as they fell 4-1 to Italy in their last home match before next month’s UEFA Women’s European Championship finals in Switzerland. Despite a significantly improved second-half performance that included a spectacular goal from veteran Jess Fishlock, Wales will be left reflecting on a first 45 minutes that all but decided the encounter. The loss marks the heaviest defeat of head coach Rhian Wilkinson’s tenure so far, raising questions ahead of the team’s historic debut at a major international tournament.
The build-up to this fixture was already tinged with disappointment after Wales’ recent 1-0 defeat against Denmark confirmed their relegation from the top tier of the Women’s Nations League. However, with European Championship squad places still to be won, and a swansong on home soil to motivate the team, there had been hope for a positive display against the Azzurre.
Wales made an energetic start and appeared eager to erase memories of their sluggish opening in previous matches. Early attacks saw Rachel Rowe test Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani with a firm header, yet the hosts’ momentum was swiftly checked. Italy struck first after just nine minutes, capitalising on uncertainty in the Welsh defence from a Manuela Giugliano corner. A scramble in the box ended with defender Elena Linari volleying home, setting the tone for a punishing half for the Welsh backline.
Within twenty minutes, Italy doubled their advantage, again exploiting Wales’ difficulties at set-pieces. Cristiana Girelli, who would go on to score twice in the match, found the net with a clinical header following another Giugliano delivery. Goalkeeper Olivia Clark, already nursing a black eye from the Denmark match, was called into further action, repelling a powerful drive from Sofia Cantore before Girelli’s second effort of the evening exposed more frailties in home defensive organisation.
Unfortunately for Clark, her evening would take another turn as she sustained a head injury after a collision with teammate Hayley Ladd. Although she fought on bravely, she was again beaten before the break, this time by Cantore’s unopposed header. The hosts huddled forlornly to regroup as Italy’s superiority in the air and at set-pieces was proving decisive.
Any hopes of reaching half-time without further damage faded in stoppage time. Substitute goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel was immediately called into action but was left helpless as Girelli’s deflected header found its way into the net. Italy’s fourth hammered home their dominance and ensured the result was effectively beyond doubt by the interval.
To their credit, Wales emerged for the second period with determination and renewed resilience. With less pressure on the result, Wilkinson’s side showed more composure in possession and managed to stem the Italian tide. Josie Green forced a decent save with a well-placed header, and the defence looked more assured, but the moment of the night belonged to Jess Fishlock.
Introduced from the bench to win her 162nd cap, Fishlock provided a memorable highlight for the home supporters. Spotting substitute keeper Francesca Durante off her line, she unleashed an audacious 35-yard lob that crashed in via the underside of the crossbar—a goal worthy of any stage. It was her 47th for the national side and a reminder of the quality she still brings to the team.
Wales closed their Nations League campaign with two draws, both against group winners Sweden, and four defeats. Despite the challenges faced in recent matches, the squad and supporters will be keen to focus on the positives and lessons learned as they prepare for showdowns against England, France, and the Netherlands on their Euros debut. With Wilkinson now tasked with refining her squad, all eyes turn to Switzerland, where Wales will hope to write a brighter new chapter in their footballing story.