With this second draw in two days, after the one against Belgium (1-1) for their entry into the competition, Iceland is second in group D with a point behind France, who will qualify in the event of a victory in evening (9:00 p.m.) against Belgium.
Iceland opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir, following a long throw-in from Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir and a failed clearance from Italian captain Sara Gama, who played for PSG and is now at Juventus.
Iceland midfielder Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir (8) is congratulated by her team mates after opening the scoring against Italy during their Euro 2022 match on July 14, 2022 at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester Daniel MIHAILESCU AFP
But far from being beaten down, the Italians took the game on their own and created many chances, however falling short in the finish like a failed volley from Martina Piemonte (26th), alone at the point penalty on a cross from Flaminia Simonetti.
Piemonte who had scored the only goal in the heavy inaugural defeat against France (5-1).
While the Icelandic Alexandra Johannsdottir had missed the break incredibly by shooting wide following a confused action in the Italian penalty area (61st), the Azzurre equalized on the following action by Valentina Bergamaschi (62nd ), with a flat foot on a center back from Barbara Bonansea.
Italian defender Valentina Bergamaschi (d) is congratulated by her teammates after equalizing (1-1) against Iceland during their Euro 2022 match on July 14, 2022 at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester Daniel MIHAILESCU AFP
The latter later shot the post (73rd) in an unbridled final in which either team could have won.
For these two nations, qualification will be decided on the third and final day, Monday July 18, at 9:00 p.m.: Iceland will face France and Italy will face Belgium.
© 2022 AFP