In a spirited debute at international scene, Serbia couldn’t brake firm Italian defence, as the hosts took a convicing 26-0 win at Lignano Sabbiadoro. It was Italy’s experience that prevailed against Serbian girls that have just couple of months of club competition under their belt.
„I’m very happy with our performance on the field,“ said Italian rugby league’s vice president Tiziano Franchini. „On our last training sessions we worked especialy on defence and it shwed today on the result. Over all we saw team improvment, girls are getting more experience and they are learning fast about the game. Also I want to point out that this is our first game on the home soil and we got our first win“
Erica Neri had a brace, while Italian playmaker Rosaluna Gavagna added a try along with three converstions. Serbian leadies didn’t score in its international inagural match, but team managment is very happy of the performance.
„I’m extremely proud of the effort and determination shown by the Serbian girls. We had no pressure of expectation regarding the score, and the girls really proved their strong character, This was the first ever full 13-a-side test for all of the Serbian girls, and the only way is up from here. Most of the team members are aged 18 or under, so that tells us a lot regarding how much room there is for progress“, said Serbian coach Željko Delić.
It was a double header at Lignano, as Serbian champions Red Star defeated Lignano Sharks 30-22 in 2nd round of regional Balkan Super League.
ITALY 26 (12)
SERBIA 0 (0)
Tries: Erica Neri (2), Rosaluna Gavagna, Giulia Stucchi and Cecilia Piva.
Goals: Rosaluna Gavagna 3/5
ITALY: Rebecca Pantaleoni, Matilde Gerardo, Rwan Hassein, Giulia Colangeli, Giada Arzenton, Rosaluna Gavagna , Cecilia Piva, Francesca Isaia, Alessandra Menotti, Rosa Bettolatti, Altea Forto, Giulia Stucchi, Erica Neri. Subs: Lisa Sovrano, Siria Raisa, Marika Ascione, Alice Mondino.
SERBIA: Marija Milosavljević, Marija Bajić, Tamara Bošnjak, Ana Marija Škiljo, Ljiljana Bajić, Isidora Savković, Jelena Stoiljković, Željana Mitrović, Кarolina Blizanac, Marija Maslaković, Nika Bajić, Jovana Fridl, Vanja Pešić. Subs: Sara Trifković, Ivana Artinović, Milica Кrasić, Dragana Žeželj.
Venue: Bella Italia EFA Village. Attendance: 100. Referee: Paolo Bucci (Italy).
