Italy swept Jamaica with a landslide victory and advanced to the round of 16 of the Women's World Cup currently underway in France. The Azzurre secured their spot with a match to spare thanks to a 5-0 victory over the 'Reggae Girlz' in the second matchday of Group C, played in Reims. Cristiana Girelli scored a hat-trick and Aurora Galli two goals. Milena Bertolini's team will return to action on Tuesday in Valenciennes against Brazil in a match that could determine first place in the group. Italy currently leads with six points, three ahead of Brazil and Australia, who lost their opening match. The Azzurre eased the match against the Jamaicans in the 12th minute thanks to Girelli's goal from a penalty won by Bonansea, which was retaken after Schneider's early save. These two infringements were flagged by New Zealand referee Keighley with the help of VAR. In the 25th minute, Girelli repeated the feat with a close-range finish from a corner, and three minutes later, the crossbar denied Sabatino. At the start of the second half, a resurgent Girelli secured the three points: after less than a minute of play, the number 10 took advantage of Schneider's mistimed exit on a high ball to head the ball into the net. With the score at 3-0, the Jamaicans became more enterprising, and Italy took a few too many risks, but in the final half-hour, Galli took center stage with a brace that snuffed out any hopes of winning. The midfielder scored in the 71st minute with a long-range right-footer that fooled Schneider, and again ten minutes later, following a brilliant pass from Giugliano, forcing the goalkeeper to sit down before placing the ball into the unguarded net. The Azzurre dominated completely. And now, against Brazil, a draw will be enough to secure first place in the group.
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