Jenni Hermoso replaced Mariona Caldentey in the 68th minute before going on to score the winner
Jenni Hermoso says she “can only smile” after making a sensational return to Spain’s squad by scoring an 89th-minute winner against Italy in the Nations League.
Hermoso, on as a 68th-minute substitute in Salerno, converted the rebound after Alexia Putellas’ shot was saved by Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.
The forward had not played for her country since the scandal that engulfed Spanish football, when federation president Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation after winning the World Cup.
“What better joy than to get back here and feel good again, to score the goal that gets the win - now I can only smile,” Hermoso, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, told TVE.
The kiss, which Hermoso says was not consensual, sparked outcry and Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish football federation (RFEF) president.
Rubiales, whose actions overshadowed Spain’s World Cup win in August, was also given a restraining order.
World Cup winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked in September and replaced by Montse Tome, who omitted Hermoso from her first national team squad last month “to protect her”.
The Rubiales scandal took its toll on 33-year-old Hermoso, who said her “image had been tarnished” by the kiss.
“I can tell you [I thought about] many things, but life sometimes gives you little gifts, and today I thought about a lot of people behind [me] this time,” added Hermoso.
“I am happy because thanks to them today I enjoyed football once again.”
Friday’s goal was Hermoso’s 52nd for Spain, in 102 appearances.
Spain, who travel to face Switzerland on Tuesday, top League A Group 4 with three wins from three games.
- The kiss that shook Spanish and global football
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Hermoso says image tarnished by Rubiales World Cup kiss
- Line-ups
- Match Stats
Line-ups
Italy
Formation 5-4-1
- 1Giuliani
- 3Di Guglielmo
- 13BartoliSubstituted forGiacintiat 90’minutes
- 19Lenzini
- 5Linari
- 17Boattin
- 21BonfantiniSubstituted forGlionnaat 61’minutes
- 18Caruso
- 4GalliSubstituted forBergamaschiat 72’minutes
- 11BonanseaSubstituted forCambiaghiat 72’minutes
- 10GirelliSubstituted forGreggiat 72’minutes
Substitutes
- 2Bergamaschi
- 6Giugliano
- 7Glionna
- 8Tomaselli
- 9Giacinti
- 12Schroffenegger
- 14Tortelli
- 15Cambiaghi
- 16Dragoni
- 20Greggi
- 22Baldi
- 23Salvai
Spain
Formation 4-3-3
- 23Coll Lluch
- 2Batlle
- 4Codina
- 14Aleixandri
- 19CarmonaSubstituted forHernándezat 79’minutes
- 6Bonmatí
- 3Abelleira Booked at 36mins Substituted forGabarro Romeroat 90+4’minutes
- 11Putellas
- 17GarcíaSubstituted fordel Castilloat 45’minutes
- 9GonzálezSubstituted forParallueloat 45’minutes
- 8Caldentey OliverSubstituted forHermosoat 68’minutes Booked at 90mins
Substitutes
- 1Rodríguez Rivero
- 5Andrés
- 7Sarriegi
- 10Hermoso
- 12Hernández
- 13Lete
- 15Oroz
- 16Gabarro Romero
- 18Paralluelo
- 20Méndez
- 21Torrodà
- 22del Castillo
