It will be a record the Matildas will keep after a 2-1 loss against Italy in their opening 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup match.

For some fans, the result was a shock but for others, it was expected.

So without further ado, let's look at the three things we learnt against Italy. 

1. Why do the Matildas still have defending issues?

This feels as if it is something spoken about constantly in these three things analysis, however, Italy highlighted the weak point once again. These aren't issues that are new, it was pointed out originally during their 2018 AFC Asian Cup campaign. 

With coach Ante Milicic wanting a high press from his side, this has seen the defenders also sit quite high. While this would generally work for Australia, the fast attacking pace from the Italian forwards saw them get in behind the Matildas defence on a few occasions in the first half.

It may have just been a small 10-15 minute window where this was a real problem for Australia in the first half but if one of those shots from the Italy side went in at that time, then it could've been a different game.

Unfortunately for Australian fans, the second half goal from Italy was one that was coming all game. They had started the second off well and were causing issues for the Australian defence with a heavy touch from Clare Polkinghorne capitalised on by Barbara Bonansea. 

Milicic has a way he wants the defence to play but it's hard to implement that style when there have been just five competitive games played. However, if the Matildas want to go deeper into the tournament than ever before, this is an area that needs to be addressed. 

It's not just the back four either, but across the field. Defending takes a team effort, not just those at the back.

Brazil and Jamaica both have fast forwards so the likelihood of being exposed the way the Matildas were against Italy is likely. 

2. Evolution of Ellie Carpenter 

The 19-year-old absolutely dominated the right flank throughout the first half. She not only contributed to chances but created them as well with her pace up the line. Carpenter has been able to hold her own on the right side and it's been fun to see her development over the last couple of years.

One of the best plays came during the first half when the young forward combined with Raso to bring the ball up the field for a chance. Carpenter never gave up either and was continually pushing down the field to put crosses into the box. 

3.  Needing an extra lift

There was something missing from Australia during the game. 

The Matildas looked somewhat deflated during the second half of the match and needed the injection of a player who would turn that around. However, despite bringing on Lisa De Vanna for pace up front, Katrina Gorry for creativity in the midfield and Elise Kellond-Knight for stability in the back...nothing changed.

Even despite Italy stepping it up a gear in the second half, being a goal down, Australia never seemed to take it up another level and try to match the intensity of their opposition.