Captain Ritu Rani Won India Shootout in 2015 vs Italy, Over to Captain Rani Rampal in 2018 Now
Women’s Hockey team of India and Italy have played each other a few times in the last four years, where Ritu Rani won India the shootout at the World League Semi-finals in 2015. Overall, they have won 2 each and drawn 2. In 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, Italy has already defeated two Asian countries, seeded above India but its defence fell apart against the Dutch. Indian defence is the key reason for them reaching knockout without winning a match in the tough group.
2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup: Schedule and Results
About Women’s Hockey World Cup
List of Women’s Hockey World Cups Winners
Indian Squad for Women’s Hockey World Cup 2018
2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup: Points Table
Summary of Group Stage
Who Will Prevent Repeat of FIFA World Cup 2018
History against Italy is better for Indian Women’s as unlike the past against Ireland and USA women’s teams, Indians have won before against Italy. The strong defence can pose tough challenge for Italian attack. Better show from Indian attack can get them another chance to register a win against Ireland.
2014-15 Hockey World League Semifinal
When they last met, Indians were ranked 12th and Italy was ranked 17th.
Indians won the penalty shootout 5-4 after drawing 1-1 against Italy in regulation time when they played for 5th-8th place Play Offs on July 2, 2015 at Antwerp.
Pacella got Italy ahead in 9th minute but Ritu Rani equalized for India in 33rd minute. During Penalties, they were tied at 4-4 with goals from Navjot Kaur, Thokchom, Ritu Rani, Deepika while Vandana Kataria missed.
They required sudden death and Ritu Rani was the saviour as she scored again but Ruggieri failed. India went on to finish 5th after defeating Japan 1-0 (Ritu Rani again with the winner) while Italy lost to Belgium and finished 8th.
India vs Italy 5-match test series (3 – 12 December 2014)
Captain: Ritu Rani
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1st Match: 0-0
2nd Match: 1-1
3rd Match: Lost 1-2
4th Match: Lost 1-3
5th Match: Won 3-1
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