Spain lost for the first time since they were crowned world champions as Italy produced a surprise win in the Women's Nations League.

Athenea del Castillo put the hosts ahead in Pontevedra before Italy scored three times in 18 second-half minutes.

Michela Cambiaghi put the visitors ahead after Valentina Giacinti's equaliser, with former Atletico Madrid defender Elena Linari adding the third.

Esther Gonzalez got Spain's second but they were unable to find an equaliser.

Despite defeat, Spain have qualified for the Nations League finals with a game to spare.

It was their first defeat since losing 4-0 to Japan at the World Cup on 31 July in Wellington, New Zealand.

They had won eight games in a row, including a 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final, before losing to Italy.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 0846 HRS, DEC 02, 2023
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