Italy edge ahead of Ukraine

Italy will take a narrow 2-1 lead to Ukraine in Wednesday's FIFA Women's World Cup play-off semi-final second leg after the visitors came away from Rieti very much in the tie.

In the first leg of their play-off four years ago Italy won 3-0 in Ukraine and they looked on course after an immediate goal by Valentina Cernoia. But Daryna Apanaschenko headed Ukraine level and although Melania Gabbiadini restored Italy's advantage, there is still all to play for in Lviv.

Just 30 seconds in Italy were ahead as Roberta D'Adda's fine cross from the right was turned in by the left foot of Cernoia for her third goal in as many internationals, having not scored in her first six caps. Italy, who have qualified for two World Cups to Ukraine's none, were in control but on 34 minutes Lyudmyla Pekur's free-kick was headed in by Apanaschenko.

The Azzurre responded well with Patrizia Panico leading from the front and going close. And just before half-time a brilliant Cristiana Girelli pass – while looking in the opposite direction – set up Gabbiadini to make it 2-1.

After the interval Federica Di Sciglio came close with a header and Gabbiadini so nearly found the target again with 12 minutes left following a superb piece of work by Cernoia. But a one-goal lead is all Italy will travel with next week.