The ITV Fever Pitch begins with a bang

Italy defeats England by holding off late rally in a great opening match to this important event in Manchester, England

The 3-2 victory for Italy was a spectacular start to a huge event in Manchester, England. The Italian side began the match exactly how they wanted to, fast and strong. The Italians scored to early goals, which set the tone. There was a lull in the Italian play that allowed the British side to get within striking distance, but Italy righted the ship and stood strong despite a last minute rally from England. 

The opening period was played at a torrid pace and the Italians set the tone with two early goals. As the period progressed, England found their footing and scored to cut their deficit in half, while keeping the Italian squad from adding to the lead. The period ended with Italy up 2-1.

The Three Lions built on their late first period momentum and began the middle frame very strong and in control of the ball, although they were unable to find the equalizer. The Azzurri took advantage and seemed poised to counter the British attacks but both teams limited their own mistakes and were unable to find the back of the net again, the period ended just as the first period did, with the score 2-1, advantage Italy.

With the outcome still in doubt in the last frame, England needed to make a stand and statement, but in the early going Italy did not budge. The Italians withstood the opening minute attacks of the last frame and went on the offensive. The host nation, England, fended off all of the Italian attacks until late in the period when Italy added an insurance goal. England did not give up and fought back with a very late goal from Mitchell Day but it was not enough as the Italy defended their goal well and finished the match up 3-2.

Goals: 0-1: Gori, min. 11 (1); 0-2: Gori, min. 10 (1); 1-2: Clarke, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Salvadori, min. 4 (3); 2-3: Day, min. 2 (3). 

Match Results:

Thursday, 12th of June, 2014

England 2-3 Italy

Upcoming Matches:

Friday, 13th of June, 2014

19:00 –England vs. Italy