Daly, used as a left-back throughout Euro 2022, has been a regular starter under Wiegman, but rarely used in the natural attacking role she plays for her club.
However, her outstanding form for Villa this season, where she has scored 10 goals in 13 Women’s Super League matches, has made it hard for the England boss to ignore.
Daly came on as a substitute for forward Russo in the opening victory over South Korea and started at Coventry, given another opportunity to make her mark in her preferred position.
She ultimately made the difference with her two strikes, but should have had more, missing several headers in both halves, having caused problems for the Italian defence with her high pressing.
England on the whole were completely dominant, but were tested more than they had been in their 4-0 win over South Korea as goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was forced into an early save from Valentina Giacinti.
Defender Alex Greenwood, named captain with Leah Williamson an unused substitute, also had to use her pace to make a recovery tackle when Giacinti almost escaped with a ball over the top.
Italy’s ability to transition with pace caused some problems and their goal was a test of England’s nerve.
But Wiegman will be pleased with her side’s response as they extended their unbeaten run to 28 matches and are in a strong position to win a third successive tournament under the Dutchwoman.
“I think it’s a good [lesson],” she said. “They equalised when we had controlled the game, but in that moment lost a little bit of control.
“To learn was really good but of course you don’t want to concede and that’s part of the game.”