Jenni Hermoso made a sensational return to Spain’s squad as she scored 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.
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 Pachuca forward Hermoso from her first national team squad last month “to protect her”.
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.
