Soccer-Bertolini steps down as Italy coach after World Cup exit

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Women's Friendly - Italy v Colombia - Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome, Italy - April 11, 2023 Italy coach Milena Bertolini before the match REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo

(Reuters) - Milena Bertolini said she has left her role as Italy head coach after their group stage exit from the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Italy began with a 1-0 win over Argentina but were thrashed 5-0 by Sweden before being eliminated in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, when South Africa scored a stoppage-time winner to win 3-2 and leave Bertolini's team third in Group G.