Support our Nation today - please donate here
Sport

Wales lose to Italy on Hayley Ladd’s big night

21 Feb 2025 2 minute read
Action from the Italy v Wales Nation League match (Credit: FAW/@Cymru)

Hayley Ladd’s 100th appearance for Wales ended in a 1-0 defeat away to Italy in the Nations League.

Everton midfielder Ladd become only the 10th player – male or female – to bring up a century of caps for Wales in Monza, but was unable to help the visitors recover from a poor start.

Barbara Bonansea broke the deadlock with a fifth-minute goal for Italy and it proved enough to settle an even contest.

Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson included Ladd in her starting line-up and also handed a full debut to Manchester City teenager Mayzee Davies for the Group A4 encounter.

The Dragons made a poor start on their return to life back in the top tier with Bonansea finding the net after a succession of Italy corners.

Wilkinson’s side did respond admirably and captain Angharad James hit the woodwork, but it stayed 1-0 at the break.

It was Wales who dictated play in the second period but while they finished with 52 per cent possession, the away team were unable to find a leveller.

There is little time for Wilkinson’s team to dwell on this result with Sweden the visitors to the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday.


Support our Nation today

For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Our Supporters

All information provided to Nation.Cymru will be handled sensitively and within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act 2018.