McFadden bags winner as Northern Ireland stun Italy in Belfast

Sarah McFadden scored a 63rd-minute winner as Northern Ireland rounded off a memorable 2022 with a 1-0 friendly win over Italy in Belfast. The Durham striker fired the rebound past Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani after she had saved an initial effort from Emily Wilson just after the hour mark.

It marked another historic moment for Kenny Shiels' side, who reached their first major finals at this year's European Championship. Italy had started strongly with both Barbara Bonansea and Manuela Giugliano both having chances, but the hosts gained the momentum after the half-time introduction of Joely Andrews.