The coach of Italy's women's team has reacted to her side's 3-2 defeat to Banyana Banyana at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, a result that saw them crash out of the competition early.
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The South Africans cemented their place in the round of 16 on Wednesday afternoon with an impressive victory over Italy, setting up a clash against the Netherlands this Sunday.
Italy's manager, Milena Bertolini, who has been in her job since 2017, suggested after the tie that her team found their own doubts more difficult to overcome than they did the challenge of taking on Banyana.
"We're very sorry because we worked hard to get through, but we didn't succeed. I don't think this group lacked understanding, the girls are very good together," she said, according to FIFA's website.
"Maybe there was a little fear, the five goals against Sweden took away our certainties and it showed in the first goal we scored ourselves.
"Today, the main opponent was not South Africa but ourselves.
"I'm very convinced of the choices I've made, I think these are the best players and I think there will be a good future for this national team."
An own goal from Benedetta Orsi and strikes from Hildah Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana secured SA's progress in what was a nail-biting encounter for both sets of supporters.
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Magaia was handed the VISA Player of the Match award following the game in Wellington.
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