By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) - Italy beat China 2-0 on Tuesday to reach quarter-finals in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup held in France.
Italy took an early lead in Montpellier as AC Milan forward Valentina Giacinti put the ball into China's net, finishing from close range, 1-0.
Italy substitute Aurora Galli doubled the gap in the 49th minute of the second half, striking from outside the penalty box, 2-0. China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng was unable to parry it.
The second goal clinched the Italian victory over China as "Le Azzurre" (The Blues) were through to the last eight for the first time since the Women's World Cup in 1991.
In addition, Giacinti was named as the player of the match.
Following Tuesday's loss, China have been eliminated from the World Cup.
Italy will face the Netherlands or Japan in the quarter final match on June 29.