Women's Serie A: Empoli Ladies 0 - 1 Inter

EMPOLI – Inter secured their first-ever win in Serie A as they beat Empoli away from home, with Gloria Marinelli’s penalty proving decisive. This was an important win prior to the international break next week. The Nerazzurre will next take to the pitch when they face Milan in the league on matchday three.

After a difficult start where Empoli Ladies forced Inter to play in their own half of the pitch, the Nerazzurre had the first clear opportunity of the match in the 17th minute though Stefania Tarenzi, who wasn’t able to find the back of the net with a header from a corner. Shortly afterwards, Gloria Marinelli beat two opposition players down the left flank but saw her subsequent shot saved by the goalkeeper. Inter finally managed to take the lead with 28 minutes on the clock through Gloria Marinelli, who sent Paola Boglioni the wrong way from the penalty spot. Inter had another chance in the 34th minute: Ragazzoli tried to surprise the goalkeeper with a powerful effort from distance but was unsuccessful with her attempt.

Coach Sorbi’s girls threatened immediately after the restart, but Marinelli’s strike from the edge of the box ended up in Boglioni’s arms. In the 57th minute, Chiara Marchitelli did well to deny Acuti as the home side looked to grab an equaliser. The Nerazzurre then came close to doubling their advantage through Goldoni, whose header just went wide of the post. In added time, Beatrice Merlo wasn’t able to double her side’s advantage from outside the box. It didn’t matter, however, as the Nerazzurre ran out 1-0 winners and picked up three vital points.

EMPOLI LADIES 0-1 INTER

Goalscorer: 28' Marinelli

EMPOLI LADIES: 2 Boglioni, 3 Di Guglielmo, 7 Prugna, 10 Mastalli, 13 Garnier (84’ Petkov 71 ), 15 Hjohlman, 16 Simonetti, 17 Acuti, 20 Giatras, 24 Baldi (26' Cotrer 31), 25 Cinotti.Substitutes: 5 Mancuso, 8 De Vecchis, 9 papaleo, 18 Anghileri, 23 Morucci, 26 Varriale, 27 LugliCoach: Alessandro Pistolesi

INTER: 31 Marchitelli; 13 Merlo, 17 Debever, 23 Auvinen, 21 Fracaros (75’ Quazzico 2); 7 Marinelli, 10 Regazzoli, 19 Alborghetti, 18 Pandini (68’ Brustia 8); 27 Tarenzi, 12 Van Kerkhoven (46’ Goldoni 16).Substitutes: 1 Aprile,  3 D'Adda, 9 Baresi, 14 Colombo, 20 Norton, 22 Santi.Coach: Attilio Sorbi

Referee: Simone Taricone (Perugia)

Added time: 1', 3'

Bookings: 13' Van Kerkhoven, 92’ Giatras