Salisbury scored from the penalty spot in the 66th minute of the first of two matches against the Italians but was denied a winning send off as the visitors grabbed an equaliser 12 minutes from time.

The veteran of 151 international appearances was greeted with a standing ovation as she was substituted  with six minutes remaining.

After a scoreless first half de Vanna put the home side ahead in the 53rd minute but Italy hit back four minutes later through Pamela Conti.

A superb move on the hour mark saw the pace of de Vanna and Sarah Walsh set up an opportunity for Katie Gill but the header went narrowly wide.

A few minutes later Walsh outpaced the defence only be brought down by goalkeeper Chiara Marchitelli, allowing Salisbury to take her successful penalty attempt.

But Italy again locked the scores in the 78th minute, Alessia Tuffino striking form 20 metres out and the ball hitting the underside of the bar before narrowly crossing the line.

“It was a fair result, though a reason I would be unhappy was that we got in front twice and we should have gone with it from there,'' said Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.