Cristiana Girelli scored her 54th goal for the country after coming in as a late sub and played the hero as her late goal sealed the victory for Italy over Argentina in the 86th minute just three minutes after she came onto the pitch.

14 minutes into the match Italy thought they had scored but unfortunately the offside flag went up and it happened again in the 42nd minute with a shot from a distance that went past the Argentina keeper Vania Correa.

In the 72nd minute, Argentina earned a free-kick but the ball was punched away by the Italian keeper Francesca Duarte. 14 minutes later Cristiana Girelli was able to head in a cross from Lisa Boattin into the back of the net for the eventual winner.

Argentina had one last chance to score in the 93rd minute after seven minutes were added but it was pushed away by Duarte.

Italy will be back in action on Saturday, July 29th when they will play Sweden in their second group-stage game of the tournament at the Wellington Regional Stadium.