COMO, Italy – Yui Hasegawa scored the equalizer as Japan drew 1-1 with Italy away from home in a women’s international football friendly on Friday.
Nadeshiko Japan, ranked eighth in the world, had the Manchester City midfielder to thank for avoiding a defeat against the 12th-ranked Europeans as she looped her shot into the net in the 64th minute off Hinata Miyazawa’s chipped through ball into the box.
Aoba Fujino and Kiko Seike could not take their chances in the first half, while Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita could do little against Giada Greggi’s 52nd-minute opener after the hosts did well to create a chance with two backheel passes inside the box.
“We lacked the fear factor at the end of our attacks,” said Hasegawa, while Manchester United midfielder Miyazawa said “Japan had more chances” and they “had to finish the game off.”
After their SheBelieves Cup win in February over the United States — the Paris Olympics gold medalists — Japan have struggled for results under their Danish manager Nils Nielsen.
They next face Norway on Tuesday in Spain.
AloJapan.com