The Matildas have failed to convert long periods of dominance into victory in their opening World Cup game, losing 2-1 to Italy thanks to a last-minute goal from star striker Barbara Bonansea.

After a shaky start by Australia, Sam Kerr scored her first World Cup goal in the 22nd minute, turning the ball into the net after she had initially failed to convert a penalty.

After taking the lead, the Australians grew in confidence, putting together some delightful build-up play but never quite managing to find the killer second goal.

Ellie Carpenter in particular was brilliant from right-back, galloping forward regularly and combining well with Hayley Raso and Kerr.

But in the second half, the Italians showed their tactical nous, interrupting the Matildas' passing game with a series of fouls, and taking control in the middle.

Both sides' defences looked slow compared to the zippy forwards they were supposed to be marking, but it was the Italians who took full advantage.

Their first goal came courtesy of a Clare Polkinghorne blunder in the 56th minute — a terrible first touch which allowed Bonansea to swoop in nick the ball before curling a shot past Lydia Williams in goal.

Following the equaliser the game became stretched, with midfield largely bypassed as both sides played a high defensive line and looked to release their attackers.

This direct style of game suited the Italians more, and despite the Matildas taking back some control through the introductions of Lisa De Vanna and Elise Kellond-Knight, it was the Europeans who found the late, late winner.

A free kick from wide on the right enticed Williams to leave her line — her first blunder in an otherwise excellent performance — but she couldn't collect the ball, and Bonansea jumped highest to head home to steal the win.

Matildas coach Ante Milicic admitted his side needed to look at its defensive system ahead of its next game against Brazil on Friday morning.

See how the match unfolded in our live blog.