Italy 1-0 Wales player ratings: Three 9s despite opening day loss

Wales were defeated 1-0 by Italy out in Monza in their first game in the Nations League since being promoted back to League A.

The winning goal came in the fifth minute, as Barbara Bonansea headed in from a corner. However, a brave Wales battled well and made Italy work hard for their victory.

Here’s how we rate the performance of every Wales player who stepped out onto the pitch in Monza.

Wales player ratings vs. Italy

Olivia Clark: 9/10

It could have been a lot worse for Wales if it hadn’t been for the heroics of Clark in goal. Despite conceding early, the now Leicester keeper didn’t let it affect her, and she made world class save after world class save to keep Wales in the game.

Mayzee Davies: 9/10

Davies played like a player beyond her years on Friday night. She rarely had to sprint back to cover someone, because she was always in the right spot. Clever little touches, smart passes, her composure was next level. What a first start for the Manchester City defender.

Speaking to the BBC, Mayzee Davies said: “It was an amazing experience to start my first game for Wales. I’ve been dreaming about it for a while, getting that first full 90 minutes for Wales, and I’m over the moon. Obviously, it’s a shame about the result, but these are the games that we all want to play in and it’s perfect preparation for the Euros.”

Hayley Ladd: 9/10

We all know Ladd plays in the midfield at club level, but to see her doing it for Wales is something that’s rare, but what a display it was from the centurion. She was in the thick of the action all the time, displayed impeccable vision, and really hampered what the great Ariana Caruso could do in the game.

Speaking to the BBC, Hayley Ladd said: “I just tried to focus on the game and didn’t want to get too carried away with the occasion. I’m immensely proud to reach 100 caps, it’s an amazing feeling, and I’m sure when we’re traveling back, I’ll be able to think about it and let it sink in a little bit more. I’m proud to have played in this game, and despite narrowly losing, I think the team performed really well and I’m really proud of everyone.”

Gemma Evans: 7/10

Defensively, it was another standard, solid performance from Evans. But what was noticeable was how she guided Davies through the game when it was required. It was a great bit of leadership from the Liverpool defender, who might be the perfect mentor for Davies.

Rhiannon Roberts: 8/10

Roberts may have gone under the radar in Monza, but she was sublime. Her direct opponent, Sofia Cantore, is a very direct and pacey customer, but she was getting no joy down Roberts’ side, so much so she was forced to search elsewhere for opportunities. Roberts’ ability to lock down one side of the pitch against big teams will be vital. Subbed off 86^th minute.

Italy 1-0 Wales: Brave Wales defeated in Monza in Nations League opener

Angharad James: 5/10

James certainly got through a lot of running, but up against Ballon d’Or nominee Manuela Giugliano, it was going to be tough. However, James stuck to the task well and battled for the full 90 minutes, and she managed to hit the crossbar with an audacious shot in the first half.

Speaking to the BBC, Angharad James said: “We learned a lot about ourselves as a squad in that game. The team played really well after going a goal behind, and it says a lot about us and the direction we want to go in. The performance with the ball was better than it has been before, we looked a little more sharp than we did against Ireland.”

Jess Fishlock: 5/10

Really strung the top two phases of the pitch well with clever little passes or a quick turn in behind. Was certainly targeted by the Italian defence and wasn’t given too much protection from the referee, but she just got back up and kept going. However, it did limit her impact on the game. Subbed off 69^th minute.

Lily Woodham: 7/10

In the opening ten minutes, things looked a little ropey for Woodham, but she built her way into the game very well. She was constantly offering herself as an option with her overlapping runs, and she showed a great physicality that certainly shocked some in the Italian team.

Ceri Holland: 6/10

As ever, a dependable performance from Holland. Linked up well with Roberts, slotted into the defence when needed, made good runs down the wing, it’s what we’ve come to expect from a player as good as her. Subbed of 69^th minute.

Hannah Cain: 5/10

You cannot question Cain’s determination to try and make things happen. She was eager to try and open up as much space as she could, but when she played as a lone striker, she perhaps drifted wide a little too much. Would love to see her play with someone like Kayleigh Barton or Elise Hughes up front. Subbed off 86^th minute.

Carrie Jones: 5/10

Jones showed a lot of willingness down the flank and linked up well at times with Woodham. Defensively she got back very well, but maybe we’re still trying to figure out her best position in the national team. Clearly a great player, but maybe she’s more effective in a central position. Subbed off at half time.

Ffion Morgan: 5/10

Subbed on at half time. In the early stages of the second half, Morgan looked very lively, and her speed looked like it was going to hurt the Italians. But as the game wore on, Italy began to figure her out, and she became quieter and quieter on the pitch.

Lois Joel: 5/10

Subbed on 69^th minute. Interesting to see Joel come on and play in a more forward position than what we’re used to seeing from her. She certainly showed a lot of intent in trying to link with the forwards, but the ball didn’t stick to her as much as she would have liked.

Mared Griffiths: 5/10

Subbed on 69^th minute. Firstly, brilliant to see Griffiths make her long awaited debut for Wales! Despite being listed as a midfielder, Griffiths played all along the front line. I’m sure she didn’t get as many touches as she would have liked, but it’s a game where the Red Devil will take a lot from going forward.

Wales youngster Mared Griffiths reflects on dream Manchester United debut

Josie Green: N/A

Subbed on 86^th minute. Wasn’t on the pitch long enough to make an impact.

Charlie Estcourt: N/A

Subbed on 86^th minute. Wasn’t on the pitch long enough to make an impact.

Rhian Wilkinson: 7/10

Against a top side in Italy, it would have been easy for Wilkinson to set her team to sit back and soak up pressure, but that didn’t happen. Her new partnerships across the pitch seemed to work, and she was constantly encouraging Wales to play on the front foot.

Speaking to the BBC, Rhian Wilkinson said: “It’s a 1-0 loss and I’m annoyed by it, and I think that’s a testament to the team and how well they played. We know Italy got close a couple of times at the end, but that’s on me. I’d rather lose 2-0 than just sit back. We made some positive changes, there are some new faces there, so a lot of positives to take away but disappointed with the score.”

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)